Jefferson Rondae Hollis-Jefferson of TNT challenges the defense of Kevin Murphy of NorthPort PBA photo

TNT in 9th win vs NorthPort

March 16, 2023 Robert Andaya 289 views

TNT Tropang Giga formally slammed the door on Northport Batang Pier, posting a lopsided 130-110 victory in the resumption of the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was at his usual deadly self with a double-double performance of 31 points on 12-of-21 shooting and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes of action.

He also added four steals and three assists in the Tropang Giga’s ninth win in 10 outings.

Hollis-Jefferson had plenty of support.

RR Pogoy added 22 points on 6-of-8 shooting from deep, and seven rebounds, while Calvin Oftana contributed 16 points and eight rebounds for the Tropang Giga of coach Jojo Lastimosa.

Veteran Kelly Williams chipped in 12 points.

Kevin Murphy led the losing effort of Batang Pier as he scored 35 points on 15-of-27 shooting on top of 10 rebounds in 43 minutes for the Bonnie Tan-mentored Batang Pier.

Arvin Tolentino had 19 points , Paul Zamar added 15 and Robert Bolick had 14 points for NorthPort, which dropped out of contention with a 3-8 win-loss record.

Meanwhile, the elimination round comes to a fitting end on Friday with the battle for the top spot between TNT and Barangay Ginebra at 5:45 p.m. at the Philsports Arena.

Ginebra is presently at 8-2 behind TNT in the overall standings.

San Miguel Beer squares off with also-ran Rain or Shine in the curtainraiser at 3 p.m.

The scores:

First game

TNT (134) — Hollis-Jefferson 31, Pogoy 22, Oftana 16, K.Williams 12, M.Williams 9, Chua 8, Khobuntin 7, Tungcab 7, Montalbo 6, Ganuelas-Rosser 6, Varilla 5, Castro 2, Cruz 2, Marcelo 1, Acuno 0.
Northport (110) — Murphy 35, Tolentino 19, Zamar 15, Bolick 14, Munzon 10, Caperal 5, Sumang 3, Chan 3, Taha 2, Calma 2, Ayaay 2, Salado 0, Vigil 0, Balagasay 0.
Quarterscores: 19-27, 66-43, 109-69, 134-110.

Second game

San Miguel (120) — Clark 45, Perez 23, Cruz 16, Bulanadi 14, Enciso 8, Lassiter 8, Manuel 4, Tautuaa 2, Ross 0, Romeo 0, Brondial 0.
NLEX (106) — Selden Jr. 32, Ganuelas-Rosser 29, Trollano 14, Anthony 8, Semerad 6, Miranda 5, Rosales 5, Alas 5, Nieto 2.
Quarterscores: 28-19, 61-47, 88-75, 120-106.

AUTHOR PROFILE