EASL: Dragonflies becomes 2nd team to qualify for Final Four Spot
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TNT weathers Meralco’s gutsy comeback for third straight win
The TNT Tropang Giga escaped the fiery Meralco Bolts for a third win in a nail-biting 101-99 victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday, January 7.
Despite their valiant attempt to rally from a deficit of up to 23 points, the Bolts were unable to answer on the final possession, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson made the game-winning free throws with 10 seconds remaining on the clock.
RHJ’s timely heroics allowed TNT to maintain its third consecutive victory. He finished with an all-around performance of 24 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks, while Calvin Oftana spearheaded the locals with 24 markers, as well as four boards.
PHOTO COURTESY: PBA
“First of all, we expected it. We had no illusions that it was going to be an easy game. Even when we were up by 20, we knew Meralco had the capability to come back,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes of Meralco’s comeback.
“In the end, we were able to settle down and not panic even when they grabbed the lead. We just stayed within ourselves and in the end, the players made big plays,” he added.
With 9:02 remaining in the fourth quarter, TNT was able to extend its lead to 13 points, 85-72, but Meralco launched another incredible comeback, even taking the lead from the Tropang Giga with 4:09 remaining, 90-89.
The Bolts still had a chance to win it all after Hollis-Jefferson took control late, but Cliff Hodge missed his crucial game-winning shot with three seconds remaining.
Import Akil Mitchell top scored for Meralco with 24 points along with 18 rebounds and seven assists, while Chris Newsome added 19 markers and eight dimes as they dropped to a 4-3 record.
With the victory, TNT is now on a 3-2 slate, good for seventh place, going into their matchup with Converge on Saturday, January 11, while Meralco is set to battle NLEX on Friday, January 10.
The Scores:
TNT 101 – Hollis-Jefferson 24, Oftana 24, Nambatac 15, Pogoy 12, Castro 7, Erram 6, Galinato 5, Aurin 5, Khobuntin 3, Razon 0, Varilla 0.
MERALCO 99 – Mitchell 24, Newsome 19, Banchero 14, Quinto 12, Black 8, Hodge 6, Rios 5, Bates 4, Almazan 4, Cansino 3, Caram 0.
Quarter Scores: 27-17, 52-35, 79-68, 101-99.
