PBA: TNT edges Magnolia in bounce back win
TNT Tropang Giga import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson against Magnolia Hotshots’ Zavier Lucero during a PBA Governors’ Cup game. –PBA IMAGES
TNT bounced back from its heartbreaking loss to Converge by bringing down Magnolia, 88-82, Thursday to move back atop Group A of the PBA Governors’ Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Threes from import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Poy Erram in the waning moments of the contest proved to be deciding factors as the Tropang Giga got their third win in four games.
Article continues after this advertisementHollis-Jefferson had 32 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists and two steals as TNT regained its bearings after allowing Converge to nail a game-winning four courtesy of import Scotty Hopson last Tuesday.
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That stinging defeat came despite holding a double-digit lead in that ballgame.
Article continues after this advertisementThis time, the Tropang Giga had to withstand a Hotshots rally from nine down entering the fourth.
Magnolia dropped to 1-2 for fifth in Group A despite having five players scoring in double figures led by import Glenn Robinson III’s 19.
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A jumper from Ian Sangalang gave the Hotshots their last lead at 80-78, 3:33 remaining, before Hollis-Jefferson connected a three from the left side to put the Tropang Giga in front for good.
Jayson Castro scored a layup, then Erram, who came back despite a scary slip that may have resulted in a sprain in the third, came through with a triple and TNT extended the gap to 86-80, time down to 1:51.
Empty possessions later, Hollis-Jefferson intercepted Robinson’s pass near midcourt, then went all the way for the jam to make it 88-80 with 31 seconds remaining and TNT ahead.
