TNT Tropang Giga secured a 90-81 victory over Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Game 1 of their best-of-seven PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal series on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Trailing by four points at halftime, TNT surged in the third quarter with a 36-point outburst, building a 75-66 lead heading into the final frame. The Tropang Giga extended their lead to as much as 13 points early in the fourth quarter. Rain or Shine attempted a comeback with free throws from Keith Datu and back-to-back triples from Felix Lemetti, cutting the deficit to 80-74 with over seven minutes left. However, clutch baskets from Calvin Oftana and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson restored TNT’s double-digit lead, with RHJ’s late 4-pointer securing the win.
“We were happy with the pace and how the game was going,” TNT head coach Chot Reyes said. “At halftime, we had them where we wanted, and the second half was about executing our game plan.”
Hollis-Jefferson delivered a near triple-double performance, tallying 26 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists, five steals, and four blocks. Oftana also contributed with a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. Rain or Shine’s Aaron Fuller posted 18 points and 21 rebounds in a strong showing.
Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Friday.
Scores:
- TNT 90 – Hollis-Jefferson 26, Pogoy 16, Nambatac 14, Oftana 11, Castro 9, Aurin 6, Erram 5, Khobuntin 3, Galinato 0, Williams 0, Heruela 0.
- Rain or Shine 81 – Fuller 18, Mamuyac 14, Asistio 13, Nocum 7, Lemetti 7, Clarito 6, Datu 6, Norwood 5, Santillan 4, Caracut 1, Belga 0.
Quarter Scores: 22-24, 39-43, 75-66, 90-81.