ANTIPOLO – TNT reminded everyone it still is the reigning and defending PBA Governors’ Cup champion.
Displaying the same form and fighting stance that won for them this very same conference a year ago, the Tropang 5G blasted top seed Magnolia Hotshots, 92-70, to take Game 1 of their best-of-five quarterfinals series in runaway fashion.
Three-time Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson finished with 26 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals in an all-around game for TNT which led by as many as 25 points in the series opener at the Ynares Center on Sunday night.
While TNT made it look easy, coach Chot Reyes said the defending champion are preparing for an expected Magnolia comeback in Game 2 on Wednesday.
“They’re (Hotshots) now going to take a look at the film, and I’m sure they’re going to make an adjustment and we just have to be ready,” said Reyes.
In a balanced TNT scoring, Calvin Oftana finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds, Roger Pogoy and Rey Nambatac added 12 each, while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser had 11.
KJ Buffen led Magnolia with 18 points and nine rebounds but found himself in foul trouble in his first PBA playoff game, while Zavier Lucero had a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds in his return from an ankle sprain.
TNT enjoyed its biggest lead at 86-61 on a two-point layup by Hollis-Jefferson at the five-minute mark of the final quarter.
The scores
TNT 92 - Hollis-Jefferson 26, Oftana 13, Pogoy 12, Nambatac 12, Ganuelas-Rosser 11, Galinato 6, Heading 6, Castro 2, Jalalon 2, Khobuntin 2, Erram 0, Aurin 0, Quitevis 0.
Magnolia 70 - Buffen 18, Lucero 14, Barroca 11, Sangalang 8, Lastimosa 6, Koon 6, Alfaro 4, Dela Rosa 2, Gomez de Liano 1, Jopia 0, Andrada 0, Laput 0.
Quarters: 19-15; 42-33; 68-51; 92-70.
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