PBA: TNT pulls away in 2nd half to beat Terrafirma

TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–TNT took some time before breaking loose from shorthanded Terrafirma and took a 133-93 victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson produced big numbers of 37 points, six rebounds and six assists as the Tropang Giga improved to 2-1 at the expense of the Dyip, who came into the contest having won their last two games after dropping the season-opener.

“We were kind of worried because Terrafirma’s two wins were no fluke,” said coach Jojo Lastimosa, who was two days removed from receiving the Executive of the Year award at the PBA Press Corps Awards Night.

Hollis-Jefferson joined forces with Calvin Oftana and Kelly Williams in the third quarter where TNT turned a slim halftime lead into the most lopsided victory in franchise history.

Terrafirma fell to 2-2 after playing minus ace scorer Juami Tiongson and rookie center Kemark Carino due to illness and import Thomas de Thaey due to a groin injury.

Oftana had 15 points, seven rebounds and seven assists and Kelly Williams scored 13 for the Tropang Giga.

Rookie Henry Galinato was given significant playing time by Lastimosa in the second half and produced 15 points and eight rebounds.

Player of the Week Javi Gomez de Liano posted 16 points, five rebounds and two steals for the Dyip. Isaac Go tallied a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds while top overall pick Stephen Holt turned in 13 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

The Scores:

TNT 133—Hollis-Jefferson 37, Castro 15, Oftana 15, Galinato 15, Williams K. 13, Tungcab 8, Cruz 8, Aurin 6, Tolomia 6, Khobuntin 4, Ponferrada 3, Reyes 3, Heruela 0, Flores 0.

TERRAFIRMA 93—Gomez de Liano 16, Go 14, Holt 13, Camson 12, Alolino 9, Miller 8, Cahilig 7, Calvo 7, Ramos 4, Mina 3, Olivario 0, Daquoag 0.

Quarters: 28-26, 58-55, 99-71, 133-93.