Defending champion TNT Tropang Giga moved to two wins away from punching a ticket to the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal round.
Rondae Hollis Jefferson and the rest of TNT did not top Group A play for nothing.
Defending champion Tropang Giga overcame a stern NLEX test to hack out a hard-earned 107-102 Game 1 victory in their Governors’ Cup quarterfinal duel at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, Sept. 27,
RHJ churned out a game-high 45 points he spiked with 10 rebounds, seven dimes and three steals as the Tropang Giga erased an early 13-point lead to pick up the victory.
TNT banked on a 32-22 third quarter production to erase an early double-digit advantage and went on to capitalize on their momentum the rest of the way.
The trio of Jayson Castro, RR Pogoy and Calvin Oftana also poured significant contributions when it mattered the most.
The Tropang Giga finished the elimination round as the No. 1 team in Group A thanks to their strong 8-2 slate while the Road Warriors, who posted an even 5-5 record in Group B, became the last team to secure a playoff spot.
Game 2 is set on Friday, Sept. 27, at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex, 7:30 p.m.