TNT swept Meralco in their PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup meetings in the elims for win No. 6.
TNT raced off to a hot start then made an even stronger finish to chalk up a 108-99 win over Meralco in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Thursday, Sept. 12.
The Tropang Giga thus swept the Bolts in the elimination round to claim a solo hold of the top spot in Group A, which it shared with its foe prior to the match.
TNT rolled to a fourth straight win for a league-leading 6-1 card and a virtual quarterfinals berth. Meralco slipped to 5-2.
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Calvin Oftana was at the forefront of TNT's attack with his 25 points he topped with seven rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Kim Aurin supported him with 16 points built on two three-pointers.
The duo orchestrated the Tropang Giga’s attack early on, combining for 19 points in the opening period that saw them post a 32-20 edge.
TNT did just enough to keep Meralco at bay in the middle quarters, but there was just no quit in the Bolts.
Meralco threatened within three, 91-94, on a 10-2 rally powered by Bong Quinto’s four-point basket in the fourth period.
But the Tropang Giga succeeded in putting the clamps on the Bolts, who scored just two in the final 2:51.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who finished with 22 points, helped restore order for TNT before Jayson Castro, Oftana, and Kelly Williams put the finishing touches.
Meanwhile, Durham paced Meralco with 26 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and a block.
Chris Newsome had 23 points while Quinto and CJ Cansino chipped in 12 points each.
The Scores:
TNT 108 – Oftana 25, Hollis-Jefferson 22, Aurin 16, Castro 12, Erram 11, Pogoy 9. Williams 9, Nambatac 4, Heruela 0, Khobuntin 0.
MERALCO 99 – Durham 26, Newsome 23, Quinto 12, Cansino 12, Bancheor 10, Caram 8, Pasoal 4, Rios 4, Bates 0, Pascual 0, Mendoza 0, Jose 0.
Quarterscores: 32-20, 49-44, 78-67, 108-99