Tropa force do-or-die

RHJ, Erram strike hard in lifesaving game victory

MANILA, Philippines — Don’t count out the heart of a champion.

With losing not an option, TNT summoned all its power to stop title-seeking Barangay Ginebra, 87-83, in Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

By pulling through, the Tropang Giga dragged the Gin Kings to a seventh-game sudden death while keeping their quest for a followup to their Governors’ Cup title run alive.

The rivals battle for all the marbles tomorrow, also at the Big Dome.

At the forefront of TNT’s lifesaving efforts was Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, as always, with Poy Erram playing the hero’s role on the heels of his infamous verbal altercation with coach Chot Reyes in their 73-66 Game 5 loss.

Hollis-Jefferson, fighting harder than ever despite a scary crash on the LED ad board while saving the ball in the second canto, produced 29 points to go with 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals.

RHJ scored eight in the final push, including the dagger free throws that gave TNT an 87-83 lead with 6.2 seconds left.

Erram, stepping up amid the social media noise, banged in 10 of his 14 in the fourth period and made some crucial rebounds and defensive plays. With his strong performance, the Tropang Giga went up by as many as 10 before fending off the Gin Kings’ late rallies.

Rey Nambatac, inspired by the presence of the injured Jayson Castro in the dugout, shot 23 even as Calvin Oftana netted 14 spiked by a 4-of-8 clip from deep to help TNT get it done in the win-or-go-home match.

“We told the players this is our first do-or-die game with Rondae so this is a great opportunity for us to learn about ourselves,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes, whose team previously held a 3-2 lead against Ginebra and went on to clinch the crown in six with the super import.