PBA: Behind RHJ’s heroics, TNT hangs tough to beat Magnolia

TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson drives to the basket against Magnolia Hotshots defenders during a PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES

TNT kept it together in the most critical of times on Tuesday night, holding off hard-fighting Magnolia, 84-82, in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup.

Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson made some key plays down the stretch at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila, to put away the Hotshots who still managed to threaten until the final second even without their veteran playmaker Mark Barroca.

Barroca had to be plucked out of the contest after colliding with the ageless Kelly Williams as the latter suffered what the coaching staff fear is a broken nose.

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Hollis-Jefferson led the way with 29 points that went with 25 rebounds. Roger Pogoy added 19 points while Calvin Oftana 10 as the defending champions claimed their fifth-straight win while tightening the grip of Group A play with a 7-1 win-loss record.

“Some great defensive effort just like in the entire conference—we just really relied on our defense to get through,” head coach Chot Reyes said. “Overall, you know, these are the kind of games we’re gonna face in the playoffs. This is good preparation for us.”

Import Shabazz Muhammad had 30 points and 17 rebounds, while Paul Lee added 13, fumbling a late chance to make a play down four, 82-78, with 11.4 left on the clock.

READ: PBA: TNT gets back at Converge to regain Group A lead

TNT will try to make it six  straight against Terrafirma this Thursday, and end the elimination phase with a bang against NorthPort on Sunday.

Magnolia, which dropped to 4-4, battles NorthPort and then Converge to strengthen its claim for a playoff spot.