MANILA – TNT Tropang Giga used a huge fourth quarter turnaround to defeat Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings in Game 6, 95-85, and claim the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Down 66-74 after three quarters, the Tropang Giga opened the fourth period with consecutive hits from Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and a three-pointer from Rey Nambatac to tie the score at 74-all.
The Gin Kings responded with conversions from Rhon Jhay Abarrientos for an 83-80 lead, but the Tropang Giga responded with a three-pointer from Roger Pogoy to tie the count at 83-all.
The game was deadlock for the last time at 85-all on an exchange of hits from Gin Kings’ Justin Brownlee and Tropang Giga’s Kelly Williams before Hollis-Jefferson surged the Tropang Giga ahead at 89-85 on back-to-back inside hits.
The Tropang Giga completed their fight back with another inside basket from Williams, a three-pointer from Pogoy, and a split free throw from Hollis-Jefferson for a 95-85 advantage.
Hollis-Jefferson finished with a near triple-double of 31 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists, to go with two steals as the Tropang Giga completed their title retention bid at 4-2.
Jayson Castro and Pogoy contributed 13 markers apiece, while Rey Nambatac ended with 12 markers for the Tropang Giga, which also defeated the Gin Kings in the Governors’ Cup last year.
“Congratulations to Barangay Ginebra and coach Tim (Cone) they are a worthy opponent, pero ayaw magpatalo ng mga players ko,” said Tropang Giga head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes.
Abarrientos finished with a career-high of 31 points, with 18 coming in the second quarter, while Brownlee and Stephen Holt contributed 16 and 12, respectively, for the Gin Kings./PN
BOX SCORE:
TNT 95 – Hollis-Jefferson 31, Castro 13, Pogoy 13, Nambatac 12, Oftana 8, Khobuntin 7, Aurin 5, Williams 4, Erram 2, Exciminiano 0.
GINEBRA 85 – Abarrientos 31, Brownlee 16, Holt 12, Ahanmisi 9, J. Aguilar 8, Thompson 6, Cu 3, Mariano 0, Pinto 0.
Quarterscores: 21-16, 42-43, 66-74, 95-85.
