Hollis-Jefferson’s masterclass powers TNT to 2-0 lead over Ginebra
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson played every second of Game 2, hitting a PBA career-high six threes to lead the TNT Tropang Giga to a commanding 96-84 win over Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With the win, TNT took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals and moved within striking distance of back-to-back titles.
Hollis-Jefferson delivered an all-around gem, finishing with 37 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, nearly doubling his Game 1 output and showcasing a relentless offensive prowess. His clutch shooting from deep kept the Tropang Giga in the driver’s seat even as Ginebra mounted a strong rally in the third quarter, briefly capturing a 57-51 lead. But TNT quickly turned the tide, going on a 10-0 run to regain control at 61-57, and the Tropang Giga never looked back.
TNT’s offense revolved around the three-point line, hitting 14 of their 37 attempts from beyond the arc, a weapon that Ginebra—known as the league’s top three-point shooting team—struggled to match, going just 7-for-27.
Supporting Hollis-Jefferson’s massive night, Calvin Oftana had a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds, while Glenn Khobuntin was a perfect 4-for-4 from the field to contribute 13 points. Jayson Castro added nine points and seven assists, while RR Pogoy also chipped in nine points and five boards. This collective effort from TNT’s supporting cast proved too much for Ginebra to overcome.
Justin Brownlee led the Gin Kings with 19 points and seven rebounds, but the defense-heavy Tropang Giga limited him to just 7-of-17 shooting. Former MVP Scottie Thompson backstopped Ginebra with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Stephen Holt and Japeth Aguilar each added 11 points. Despite an early 21-11 lead, the Gin Kings couldn’t sustain their momentum against TNT’s relentless offense and three-point barrage.
With a chance to push the series to an almost insurmountable 3-0 lead, TNT will look to bring the same intensity in Game 3 on Friday, November 1, at the Big Dome.
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