PBA: TNT edges Magnolia in bounce back win

TNT Tropang Giga import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson against Magnolia Hotshots’ Zavier Lucero during a PBA Governors’ Cup game. –PBA IMAGES

TNT bounced back from its heartbreaking loss to Converge by bringing down Magnolia, 88-82, Thursday to move back atop Group A of the PBA Governors’ Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Threes from import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Poy Erram in the waning moments of the contest proved to be deciding factors as the Tropang Giga got their third win in four games.

Hollis-Jefferson had 32 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists and two steals as TNT regained its bearings after allowing Converge to nail a game-winning four courtesy of import Scotty Hopson last Tuesday.

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That stinging defeat came despite holding a double-digit lead in that ballgame.

This time, the Tropang Giga had to withstand a Hotshots rally from nine down entering the fourth.

Magnolia dropped to 1-2 for fifth in Group A despite having five players scoring in double figures led by import Glenn Robinson III’s 19.

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A jumper from Ian Sangalang gave the Hotshots their last lead at 80-78, 3:33 remaining, before Hollis-Jefferson connected a three from the left side to put the Tropang Giga in front for good.

Jayson Castro scored a layup, then Erram, who came back despite a scary slip that may have resulted in a sprain in the third, came through with a triple and TNT extended the gap to 86-80, time down to 1:51.

Empty possessions later, Hollis-Jefferson intercepted Robinson’s pass near midcourt, then went all the way for the jam to make it 88-80 with 31 seconds remaining and TNT ahead.