TNT import Rondae Jefferson Hollis in the PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES
TNT seized advantage on the loss of Chris Newsome to injury and pummeled Meralco, 93-73, Thursday, for the early lead in Group A of the PBA Governors’ Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led a second half surge and the Tropang Giga turned what was expected to be a tight contest between sister teams with recent championships into a blowout for a second win in as many starts.
That put TNT on top of its group, with Rey Nambatac and Poy Erram also delivering for coach Chot Reyes’ wards.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup elimination round
The Tropang Giga also saw the Bolts play the rest of the game without Newsome, who sprained his ankle twice, the last put him out in the third quarter. He still finished with 15 points in almost 28 minutes.
Hollis-Jefferson had 25 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and three blocks for TNT.
Erram posted 15 points, six rebounds and two blocks even as Nambatac led all locals with 16 points.
READ: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson on PBA four-point shot: Interesting
Compounding Meralco’s woes was the struggles of veteran import Allen Durham, who was held to eight points on 3-of-9 from the field. The Bolts dropped to 1-1.
Newsome’s injury comes with Allein Maliksi and Raymond Almazan also out with ailments.
Chris Banchero dropped 18 points, three rebounds and four assists for Meralco.