PBA: TNT escapes Rain or Shine for 2-0 semifinals lead

TNT Tropang Giga’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson during Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against Rain or Shine Elastopainters. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

TNT held off a furious Rain or Shine rally down the stretch on Friday night to run away with a nail-biting 93-91 triumph in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

Resident import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson showed the way with 28 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for the Tropang Giga, who now lead the best-of-seven series two-zip.

LIVE: PBA semifinals Game 2 – Northport vs Ginebra, Rain or Shine vs TNT

Jayson Castro chipped in 13 points and five rebounds before being helped out of the court after hurting his right knee with about three minutes left in the contest at PhilSports Arena.

TNT Tropang Giga guard Jayson Castro on the floor. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Hollis-Jefferson also had to exit the game prematurely after maxing out his fouls halfway through the fierce contest at the refurbished Pasig City venue.

TNT built a 16-point cushion in the third period before the Elastopainters came back roaring and made things interesting, largely thanks to import Deon Thompson and Adrian Nocum.

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Thompson had 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Nocum 19 points in yet another narrow loss in the rematch against their Governors’ Cup tormentors.

TNT will try to push Rain or Shine on the brink this Sunday when the two clubs go at it again at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.