PBA: TNT beats NorthPort in Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s return

Returning Rondae Hollis Jefferson leads TNT to opening win in the PBA Governors’ Cup 2024. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–TNT held off NorthPort, 101-95, getting its PBA Governors’ Cup title defense off to a good start Tuesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Returning Tropang Giga import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who led the club to the championship during the 2023 season, starred with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists while also being a pest on defense with four steals and four blocks.

“We knew they would come back. We’ve always had problems with this team [NorthPort]. In fact, we haven’t beaten this team in a long time. The last two meetings, if I can remember, we lost to NorthPort,” head coach Chot Reyes said as his wards notched their first win in Group A play.

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“[But] I thought that was the difference: In certain stretches, we were able to string together some scores and stops,” he added.

Calvin Oftana added 15 points, going 2-for-2 from the four-point stripe. Rey Nambatac, the shifty guard TNT acquired during the off-season, tossed in 13 points in his debut.

NorthPort drew 36 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists from its import Taylor Johns. Arvin Tolentino added 23 points, the only other Batang Pier to finish with a twin-digit score.

READ: PBA: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson raring to lead TNT title defense

TNT will next face Meralco, which is coming off a win over Magnolia during Sunday’s opening night. The sister teams face off this Thursday at the Big Dome.

NorthPort, meanwhile, battles Terrafirma this coming Friday at the same venue.