PBA: TNT fends off NLEX ahead of crucial duel vs Ginebra

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and the TNT Tropang Giga during a PBA Commissioner's Cup game against NLEX Road Warriors.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and the TNT Tropang Giga during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against NLEX Road Warriors. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

TNT scraped its way past NLEX, 94-87, Wednesday to stretch its winning streak heading into the marquee matchup with Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Tropang Giga bucked a Road Warriors side determined to end a losing spell to come away with a fifth consecutive victory after starting the midseason conference with back-to-back defeats.

Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson scored 23 points but was left frustrated with his 7-of-25 shooting and missing half of his 12 free throws as TNT prevailed despite trailing by nine in the third.

RR Pogoy and Calvin Oftana added 18 and 14 points, respectively, for the Tropang Giga, who will now set their sights on Friday’s matchup with Ginebra at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

TNT Tropang Giga's Roger Pogoy during a PBA Commissioner's Cup game against NLEX Road Warriors.

TNT Tropang Giga’s Roger Pogoy during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against NLEX Road Warriors. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

It will be the first meeting of both teams since the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals in November when Hollis-Jefferson and series Most Valuable Player Jayson Castro claimed the crown in six games.

TNT sits second in the standings while Ginebra is in a three-way tie for fourth with Hong Kong Eastern and Meralco at 6-3.

NLEX dropped its fifth straight game to fall in a tie for 10th with idle Magnolia at 3-6, spoiling another big showing from import Mike Watkins.

Watkins finished with 33 points, 20 rebounds and four blocks for the defeated Road Warriors.

Kevin Alas added 20, but NLEX saw leading scorer Robert Bolick being held to four points on 2-of-5 shooting.

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