Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Calvin Oftana lift TNT Tropang Giga past rival Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–TNT contained a late surge from Barangay Ginebra on Friday on the way to hacking out a 91-86 victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Calvin Oftana sizzled for 32 points, nailing a pair of freebies with the six ticks left as the Tropang Giga scored yet another victory over the crowd darlings in their first meeting since the two clubs’ title showdown in the Governors’ Cup that TNT finished in six games.
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Rondae Hollis-Jefferson added 27 points and 13 rebounds to help will the telco club to a 6-2 win-loss record and the top spot in the standings.
Rondae Hollis Jefferson goes up against Justin Brownlee during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
TNT’s win was fashioned at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City with former estranged ace Mikey Williams in attendance.
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The Gin Kings fielded only eight men in the contest, with Justin Brownlee finishing with 20 points and 16 rebounds. Stephen Holt and Troy Rosario chipped in 18 and 16, respectively.
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Ginebra sputtered and settled for a 6-4 mark to join corporate siblings San Miguel and Magnolia barely within the qualifying threshold for the quarterfinals.
TNT can shoot for a seventh-straight triumph when it goes up against Terrafirma on Wednesday.
Barangay Ginebra, meanwhile, faces quite a challenge in getting back on track as it plays Rain or Shine next on the same day.
The Scores:
TNT 91 – Oftana 32, Hollis-Jefferson 25, Erram 10, Castro 9, Pogoy 6, Razon 3, Aurin 3, Khobuntin 3, Galinato 0, K.Williams 0, Heruela 0
GINEBRA 86 – Brownlee 20, Holt 18, Rosario 16, Thompson 9, Abarrientos 8, J.Aguilar 7, Malonzo 6, Ahanmisi 2
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Quarterscores: 22-25, 45-46, 68-64, 91-86.
