MANILA – TNT Tropang Giga returned to their winning ways in the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner’s Cup in dominant fashion, walloping Phoenix Fuel Masters, 106-70, last night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson tallied a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds, Roger Pogoy added 12 markers, while Calvin Oftana and Kim Aurin contributed 11 apiece as the Tropang Giga improved to a 7-3 win-loss slate.
Holding to a slim 24-21 lead in the opening quarter, the Tropang Giga started to pull away in the second frame as they outscored the Fuel Master, 25-14, to establish a 49-35 halftime advantage.
The Tropang Giga’s hot shooting continued in the second half as the lead swelled to 78-50 after three quarters before it reached its largest at 40 points at 101-61 late in the final quarter.
“Sometimes our shots will go in, sometimes they won’t,” said Tropang Giga head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes, referring to their struggles in their 117-108 defeat to Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday.
“What I told my players before this game is that our defense should be on point all the time, because when we are on point defensively, then we will give ourselves a chance,” he added in his post-game interview.
Tyler Tio top-scored for the Fuel Masters with 14 points, while Donovan Smith and Kai Ballungay added 11 markers apiece as they wrapped up their campaign with a 3-9 record.
Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings clinched a quarterfinals seat with a dominant 120-92 bounce back victory against the slumping Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Earl Scottie Thompson finished with 22 points, eight assists, and six rebounds to be named Player of the Game as the Gin Kings notched their seventh victory in 11 matches.
“Coming into this game, kailangan talaga namin ng sense of urgency kasi starting now parang playoff game na namin, every game is crucial especially dikit-dikit ‘yung sa standings,” Thompson said in a post-game interview.
Justin Bronwlee led the way with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, Jeth Troy Rosario and Rhon Jay Abarrientos added 14 markers apiece, and Japeth Aguilar ended with 12 points for the Gin Kings./PN
