PBA: TNT gets back at Converge to regain Group A lead

TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–TNT found an extra gear when it mattered most on Sunday night, fending off Converge for a 98-91 victory in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

The Tropang Giga made sure they would get back at the FiberXers for their lone loss in the tournament’s first round, with Jayson Castro and Calvin Oftana hitting shots in the final minute at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.

“The header on our board was one word: ‘Learn’. This game was an opportunity for us to learn from our last game,” said head coach Reyes, whose crew improved to 5-1, reclaiming the lead in Group A play of the import-laden showcase.

READ: PBA: TNT rises to 4-1 after trouncing Terrafirma

“When they made run, we said ‘we’ve been here before, and we expected this.’ We just made sure to execute when we needed to execute and Jayson made some [plays] down the stretch,” he added of his veteran playmaker, who hit a big triple from on top of the key with 1:09 clock—one of the two final two shots that foiled the enemy’s bid at a comeback.

Castro finished with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists. Oftana also had 14. Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson showed the way with 21 points and 10 rebounds while Rey Nambatac led the locals with 17 points.

Justin Arana put up 16 points for Converge, while Schonny Winston played the finest game of his young PBA career with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Alec Stockton chipped in 15 into the scoring effort, but with import Scotty Hopson having a subpar night with only 13 points, the FiberXers fell short and then settled for a 2-4 win-loss mark.

TNT shoots for a fourth-straight win and a repeat over Meralco on Thursday, while Converge tries to get out of a three-game slide against NorthPort the night before.