TNT strikes at endgame

MANILA, Philippines —  NLEX, the lowest-ranked quarterfinalist from Group B, backed TNT, the No. 1 qualifier from Group A, to a corner for a good part of the first 28 minutes of action.

But with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson as spark, the Tropang Giga fought their way out of it and wrested a 107-102 opening victory in their PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinal series last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

After a quiet 11 points in first-half action dominated by the Road Warriors, Hollis-Jefferson dialed it up and unloaded 17 markers in each of the last two quarters to power the defending champions in their successful fightback from 13 points down for the head start in the race-to-three.

RHJ laced his 45 total production with 10 rebounds, seven assists and three steals in his return game after sitting out TNT’s ending assignment in Group A with ankle issues.

RR Pogoy (13), Jayson Castro (12) and Rey Nambatac (11) churned in double-digit outputs in solid back-up outings.

Overcoming a shaky start, Calvin Oftana shot eight highlighted by two booming triples and a clutch layup in the final canto as he joined forces with Hollis-Jefferson in seizing a 100-91 cushion going to the last 1:43.

“That’s how basketball usually works. You may not have the best first quarter. You may not have the best first half. But if you stay resilient and locked in, it usually works in your favor,” said Hollis-Jefferson of their early struggles against a hot-starting NLEX.

DeQuan Jones dropped 38 on the TNT defenders plus 12 boards but NLEX’ top local gunner Robert Bolick was held down to 10 markers on a meager 3-of-8 field goal.

“We knew it’s going to be a difficult series. Our defense was obviously keyed on those two guys. We thought if we could limit one of them, then we’d have a chance of winning,” said coach Chot Reyes, whose troops will shoot for 2-0 tomorrow  in a road tussle in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Later, Group B topnotcher Rain or Shine went through the wringer against Group A No. 4 Magnolia before drawing first blood, 109-105.

The Elasto Painters leaned on the exploits of Aaron Fuller, Andrei Caracut, Caelan Tiongson and Jhonard Clarito to wipe out a 91-100 deficit in the last 5:16 and complete the steal.