MANILA, Philippines – A second straight PBA Governors’ Cup title is within reach for TNT.
The Tropang Giga moved on the cusp of a successful title defense after ripping Barangay Ginebra apart, 99-72, in Game 5 of the finals at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, November 6.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson outdueled Justin Brownlee and received ample help from the locals as TNT regained control of the best-of-seven duel at 3-2 before a crowd of 12,727 after losing Games 3 and 4 by an average of 13 points.
Hollis-Jefferson finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds in just under 32 minutes of action, finding no need to do the heavy lifting thanks to his teammates rising to the occasion.
Roger Pogoy finally hit his stride from long distance with 16 points built on three triples and a four-pointer, while Calvin Oftana supplied 15 points and 8 rebounds.
The Tropang Giga also drew inspired performances from their elder statesmen, with Kelly Williams supplying 11 points and Jayson Castro posting all-around numbers of 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Williams scored all of his 11 points in the first half as TNT raced to a 56-33 halftime lead and never looked back in a rout where it limited the Gin Kings to their lowest scoring output of this playoffs.
That loss also saw Brownlee, who erupted for 34 points in Game 4, get contained to a PBA career-low 8 points on a 3-of-13 shooting.
It marked the first time Brownlee, a three-time Best Import, fail to score in double digits as he sat out the entire fourth quarter.
Scottie Thompson and LA Tenorio paced Ginebra with 13 points each.
TNT 99 – Hollis-Jefferson 16, Pogoy 16, Oftana 15, Williams 11, Castro 10, Nambatac 7, Erram 7, Exciminiano 6, Khobuntin 4, Heruela 3, Aurin 2, Galinato 2, Payawal 0, Ebona 0, Varilla 0.
Barangay Ginebra 72 – Thompson 13, Tenorio 13, Holt 10, Brownlee 8, Abarrientos 7, J. Aguilar 6, Cu 5, R. Aguilar 5, Pessumal 4, Ahanmisi 1, Pinto 0, Adamos 0.
Quarters : 26-20, 56-33, 79-48, 99-72.
– Rappler.com
