TNT Tropang Giga celebrate. Photo by Ernie Sarmiento
Grand slam for TNT?
MISSION accomplished for TNT Tropang Giga.
Three-time Best Import awardee Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and coach Chot Reyes couldn’t be happier.
In a game of changing fortunes, TNT outlasted Barangay Ginebra, 87-83, in overtime to capture the PBA Commissioner’s Cup before another sellout crowd of 21,274 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Tropang Giga wrapped up the heart-stopping best-of-seven title series, 4 games to 3.
It was the 11th PBA championship for both the Tropang Giga and Reyes.
Counting the season-opening PBA Governors’ Cup, the Tropang Giga are also now in position to complete a rare sweep in the coming PBA Philippine Cup.
Before PBA Season 50, only four teams — Crispa (twice), San Miguel Beer, Alaska Milk and San Mig Coffee — have won basketball’s triple crown.
“My appreciation goes to our players, who really found a way to win. Talagang ayaw magpatalo and this is the result,” said Reyes.
TNT governor and PBA chairman Ricky Vargas congratulated Ginebra for a well-fought series.
“Salamat sa Ginebra for teaching us how to play tough basketball. Salamat sa fans at sa players ng Talk ‘N Text. This is a special team and a special group,” said Vargas.
Hollis-Jefferson finished with 25 points on 8-of-19 shooting, 12 rebounds, two assists and two steals in almost 53 minutes of action.
But like in their previous victories, Hollis-Jefferson had plenty of help.
Rey Nambatac stepped up in a big way for TNT as he added 22 points, four assists, three steals and two rebounds Glenn Khobuntin contributed 14 points from off the bench.
Gilas mainstay Calvin Oftana had 10 points and six rebounds while RR Pogoy chipped in with nine points.
Justin Brownlee led the Gin Kings with 28 points on 12-of-30 shooting, and 10 rebounds in 52 minutes of play for coach Tim Cone.
Japeth Aguilar added 15 points and 11 rebounds while Scottie Thompson and Stephen Holt contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively.
RJ Abarrientos chipped in with eight points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
The scores:
TNT (87) – Hollis-Jefferson 25, Nambatac 22, Khobuntin 14, Oftana 10, Pogoy 9, Erram 5, Williams 2, Aurin 0, Heruela 0
Ginebra (83)–Brownlee 28, Thompson 13, J. Aguilar 15, Holt 12, Abarrientos 8, Ahanmisi 3, Rosario 2, Malonzo 2.
Quarterscores: 22-16, 40-35, 60-62, 79-79, 87-83.
The results
Game 1 — TNT 95, Ginebra 89
Game 2 — Ginebra 71, TNT 70
Game 3 — TNT 87, Ginebra 85
Game 4 — Ginebra 95, TNT 78
Game 5 — Ginebra 73, TNT 66
Game 6 — TNT 87, Ginebra 83.
Game 7 — TNT 87, Ginebra 83 (OT).
(TNT wins best-of-seven series, 4-3).
