MANILA — Rondae Hollis-Jefferson delivered a dominant all-around performance as defending champion TNT Tropang 5G crushed Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, 92-70, to seize the early advantage in their PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup quarterfinal series on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Hollis-Jefferson imposed his will on both ends of the floor, finishing with 26 points, nine rebounds and five assists as the Tropang 5G overwhelmed the Hotshots to take a 1-0 lead in their best-of-five showdown.
Calvin Oftana provided solid support with a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Roger Pogoy and Rey Nambatac contributed 12 points apiece. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser added 11 markers in TNT’s balanced offensive attack.
The Tropang 5G asserted control early and never relinquished their advantage, outscoring the Hotshots in all four quarters to complete the 22-point demolition.
TNT established a 19-15 advantage after the opening period before widening the gap to 42-33 at halftime.
The defending champions tightened their grip on the contest in the third quarter, stretching their lead to 68-51 entering the final frame before comfortably cruising to victory.
KJ Buffen led Magnolia’s losing effort with 18 points, while Zavier Lucero contributed 14 and veteran guard Mark Barroca finished with 11.
Meanwhile, NLEX Road Warriors survived a furious fourth-quarter comeback by Phoenix Fuel Masters to escape with a 97-92 victory and draw first blood in their own best-of-five quarterfinal series.
The Road Warriors appeared headed for a comfortable triumph after building a 15-point cushion, but the Fuel Masters mounted a late charge to threaten an upset.
Phoenix trimmed the deficit to just two points, 94-92, after Kenneth Tuffin split his free throws, setting up a tense finish.
However, the Fuel Masters’ comeback hopes suffered a decisive blow when import Marcellous Earlington was whistled for an unsportsmanlike foul against NLEX’s Enoch Valdez in the closing moments.
The Road Warriors capitalized on the opportunity, with LJay Gonzales and Deonte Burton converting crucial free throws to preserve the victory.
Burton powered NLEX with a double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds despite battling foul trouble, while Robert Bolick Jr. supplied 20 points.
Deschon Winston contributed 13 markers, while Anthony Semerad added 11 as the Road Warriors moved a step closer to the semifinals.
Ricci Rivero spearheaded Phoenix with 24 points, while Kai Ballungay chipped in 20. Earlington finished with 14 markers, and Gian Mamuyac contributed 11.
Both TNT and NLEX will look to build commanding 2-0 series leads in their respective Game 2 encounters, while Magnolia and Phoenix face the pressure of avoiding deeper quarterfinal deficits./PN
