TNT forward Calvin Oftana attempts a hook shot against Meralco’s CJ Cansino during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. – PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines — TNT woke up just in time to avoid a collapse, fending off Meralco, 101-99, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday night.
The Tropang Giga relied on Calvin Oftana’s 24 points and four rebounds and imported Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s clutch gifts to topple sister team Bolts in the clash at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City .
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“In the end, we managed to settle down and not panic. And in the end, the players made some big plays, and I guess that’s the story,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes, whose team nearly gave up a victory after allowing a 23 point advantage erased by the Bolts.
READ: MVP Group teams win more PBA titles in 2024 with TNT, Meralco decision
Hollis-Jefferson also finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds and five assists. Rey Nambatac and Roger Pogoy collected at least 12 points each as the telecom club moved to 3-2 in the standings.
Meralco took a brave stand behind import Akil Mitchell’s 24 points, while Chris Newsome, Chris Banchero and Bong Quinto contributed scoring duties. But their numbers weren’t enough to finish the job, as the Bolts fell to 4-3.
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TNT will face Converge on January 11th, while Meralco will take on another corporate sibling at NLEX on January 15th.
The scores:
TNT 101 – Hollis-Jefferson 24, Oftana 24, Nambatac 15, Pogoy 12, Castro 7, Erram 6, Galinato 5, Aurin 5, Khobuntin 3, Razon 0, Varilla 0.
MERALCO 99 – Mitchell 24, Newsome 19, Banchero 14, Quinto 12, Black 8, Hodge 6, Rios 5, Bates 4, Almazan 4, Cansino 3, Caram 0.
Quarter scores: 27-17, 52-35, 79-68, 101-99.
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