TNT fires PBA Finals record 21 triples to torch Ginebra, tie series 2-2
TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson goes for a dunk against Barangay Ginebra in Game 4 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—TNT set a record for most threes in a PBA Finals game to frustrate Barangay Ginebra, 116-104, that tied their showdown for the Governors’ Cup crown at 2-2 on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Tropang Giga fired 21 from beyond the arc in a dominant display that put the series back on level terms before a crowd of 16,203.
That despite missing RR Pogoy, who was ruled out for the rest of the Finals after fracturing his finger during TNT’s 117-103 loss.
Game 5 is set Wednesday at the same venue with the winner moving one step closer toward the crown.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, named Best Import before tipoff, had 36 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals to produce another big performance for TNT.
He and the rest of the Tropang Giga were on fire from downtown, continuing the trend through four games of the title clash.
Jayson Castro came off the bench to score 17 points while Mikey Williams added 16 as the main figures stepped up for TNT.
But coach Jojo Lastimosa got more from Calvin Oftana, redeeming himself from a disappearing act in Game 3 with 16 points.
And taking advantage of Pogoy’s absence was Kib Montalbo, who also scored 16 for TNT including a Hail Mary shot at the horn that gave the Tropang Giga a 59-41 halftime lead.
Justin Brownlee scored 28 points but fouled out late while Best Player of the Conference winner Christian Standhardinger was held to 10 points and nine rebounds.
