PBA: TNT pounces on worn-down Meralco for 1-0 start in semifinals

TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson with another triple-double. –PBA IMAGES

ANTIPOLO CITY — TNT got another big performance from Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and took down Meralco, 110-80, on Friday to draw first blood in their PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal series on Friday at Ynares Center here.

Hollis-Jefferson had 22 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists for his second straight triple-double as the Tropang Giga cruised to a convincing win over a weary Bolts squad that was two days removed from eliminating the Magnolia Hotshots in the quarterfinals.

But there are concerns in the aftermath of TNT’s victory after Hollis-Jefferson hurt his groin and Calvin Oftana suffered an ankle sprain during the lopsided affair.

The Tropang Giga hope to have everyone in full strength when they go for a commanding 2-0 lead in Game 2 on Sunday in this city.

RR Pogoy scored 21 points, Oftana had 15 points and nine rebounds while Mikey Williams produced 14 points, three rebounds and five assists for TNT.

Meralco never served as a threat after TNT took a 31-19 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Import KJ McDaniels topscored for Meralco, but was held to just 12 points on 5-of-16 shooting despite grabbing 14 rebounds.

Chris Newsome also had an off night with just 10 points in just 23 minutes after going for 33 against Magnolia in the quarters.

The scores:

TNT 110 — Hollis-Jefferson 22, Pogoy 21, Oftana 15, Williams M. 14, Castro 12, Khobuntin 7, Tungcab 6, Montalbo 5, Chua 4, Erram 4, Acuno 0, Cruz 0, Varilla 0, Marcelo 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0.

MERALCO 80 — McDaniels 12, Quinto 11, Newsome 10, Almazan 10, Hodge 9, Jose 9, Black 7, Dario 5, Johnson 3, Hugnatan 2, Maliksi 2, Banchero 0, Caram 0, Pasaol 0, Rios 0, Pascual 0.

Quarters: 31-19, 57-45, 92-66, 111-80.