MANILA – Rondae Hollis-Jefferson delivered another strong performance as TNT Tropang Giga prevailed over Terrafirma Dyip, 107-89, in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
The former PBA Import of the Conference winner finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks as the defending champions Tropang Giga moved to a share of top spot in Pool A with 4-1 win-loss slate.
Hollis-Jefferson, who was playing through an ankle injury, admitted the Tropang Giga encountered struggled against the Dyip before they created a much-needed separation late in the fourth quarter.
“Will power, resiliency, I mean the pain is just mental, I played through pain my entire life, so playing through this ankle injury is no different,” Hollis-Jefferson said on playing hurt.
“I think Terrafirma came to play, credit to them, we are in a tough situation, they have nothing to lose, those are the scariest team to play against, and we knew that they will come out hard and ready to play against us,” he added.
The Dyip, on the other hand, remained at last place in Pool A with 0-5 win-loss slate.
On Wednesday night, Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots leaned on a huge finishing run to defeat the import-less NorthPort Batang Pier, 105-94. The Hotshots improved to a 3-2 record, while the Batang Pier dropped to 2-3.
Holding to a slim 94-91 lead with three minutes left, the Hotshots got a three-pointer from Aris Dionisio and inside conversions from Paul Lee, Glenn Robinson III, and Zavier Lucero for a 103-92 lead.
The Batang Pier still tried to make a run after a conversion from John Amores with under a minute left, but two free throws by Lee with a few seconds remaining sealed the victory for the Hotshots.
Robinson finished with a double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds, Lee added 20 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds, while Lucero chipped in 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Hotshots./PN
