TNT took the early lead in Group A of the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup after beating Meralco, 93-73, on Thursday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had another strong showing as the Tropang Giga also took advantage of the absence of Chris Newsome due to an ankle and knee injury for a majority of the game to go to 2-0.
Hollis-Jefferson had 25 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists for TNT. He also had 14 points as the Tropang Giga outscored the Bolts, 31-16, in the third quarter.
Rey Nambatac added 16 points and seven rebounds, while Poy Erram delivered 15 points and six rebounds for the Tropang Giga, who only had a day rest after their 101-95 win over NorthPort.
A weary TNT squad made its move in the third quarter after being down by just two points at the half.
“We wanted to stay close because we knew we have heavy legs and playing a hard game just two days ago,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes. “Nabuhayan kami because we saw that we were in striking distance in the first half and I think it gave us a lot of impetus.”
“Secondly, we caught a lucky break when Chris Newsome went out with an injury. We know how important Chris is to that team offensively and defensively. We were able to capitalize on that,” he added.
Newsome was banged up after he sprained left knee and left ankle when Erram fell on his leg while diving for a loose ball during the first quarter.
The Gilas Pilipinas standout was still able to return but twisted his left ankle again late in the third, and Meralco decided not to bring Newsome back in the contest. He still ended up finishing with 15 points.
Chris Banchero had 18 points for the Bolts, but Allen Durham struggled offensively and added eight points on 3-of-9 shooting although he hauled 10 rebounds.
The scores:
TNT 93 – Hollis-Jefferson 25, Nambatac 16, Erram 15, Oftana 14, Khobuntin 10, Castro 5, Aurin 4, Heruela 2, Payawal 2, Vosotros 0, Exciminiano 0.
Meralco 73 – Banchero 18, Newsome 15, Durham 8, Hodge 8, Quinto 6, Mendoza 5, Bates 4, Pasaol 3, Black 2, Rios 2, Cansino 2, Torres 0.
Quarters: 21-23; 39-41; 70-57; 93-73,
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