MANILA – Rondae Hollis-Jefferson marked his comeback from an Achilles injury in emphatic fashion as defending champion TNT Tropang 5G demolished the Macau Giant Pandas, 142-87, for a staggering 55-point victory in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Showing little sign of rust following his injury layoff, the former PBA Best Import awardee delivered an all-around performance of 22 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two steals to help the Tropang 5G improve to a 7-4 record in Group A.
Hollis-Jefferson’s return provided a major boost to TNT’s title defense, with the defending champions unleashing a relentless offensive assault that saw their lead swell to as many as 61 points.
Calvin Oftana spearheaded the scoring barrage with a team-high 28 points, while Poy Erram contributed 15 markers.
Jordan Heading, Jiovani Jalalon and Henry Galinato Jr. chipped in 11 points apiece, while Kim Aurin added 10 as TNT displayed its offensive firepower.
The Tropang 5G wasted little time asserting their dominance, establishing a 28-21 advantage in the opening quarter before exploding for 36 points in the second period to take a commanding 64-48 halftime lead.
TNT then delivered the knockout blow in the third quarter, outscoring Macau, 38-18, to stretch its advantage to 102-66 entering the final frame.
The defending champions refused to ease up, pouring in another 40 points in the fourth quarter to complete the lopsided rout.
Macau had little answer to TNT’s balanced attack despite a remarkable 43-point, 10-rebound performance from Oscar Lopez Jr.
Chon Pong Lao contributed 14 points, while Kobey Lam added 13 for the Giant Pandas, who absorbed their ninth defeat against just two victories.
Meanwhile, the Meralco Bolts nearly squandered a 20-point advantage before holding off a furious late comeback by Blackwater Bossing to escape with a 120-115 victory.
Jordan Varnado powered the Bolts with 31 points, while Chris Newsome provided 24 as Meralco weathered Blackwater’s late-game surge to secure its fourth victory in nine outings.
Kier John Quinto chipped in 15 points, Clifford Hodge contributed 12, and Jason Brickman finished with 10 as the Bolts improved to a 4-5 win-loss record./PN
