The TNT Tropang Giga weathered the Meralco Bolts rally in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup, as Rondae Hollis-Jefferson sank the game-winning free throws.
The TNT Tropang Giga escaped with a narrow 101-99 victory over the Meralco Bolts, thanks to Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s clutch free throws in the dying seconds. Calvin Oftana was named Player of the Game with 24 points, shooting 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, along with four rebounds and two assists.
TNT built a 23-point lead after a 19-day break, but Meralco rallied late, tying the game 99-all in the final minute. Hollis-Jefferson, who finished with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists, was fouled by Cliff Hodge and calmly sank the game-winning free throws.
Meralco import Akil Mitchell led all scorers with 24 points, 18 rebounds, and seven assists, while Chris Newsome added 19 points and eight assists for the Bolts.
The win moves TNT to 3-2, good for seventh place, as they prepare to face Converge on Saturday. Meralco remains at sixth with a 4-3 record, set to battle NLEX on Friday.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]