NLEX levels series with thrilling win over TNT in PBA Governors’ Cup Quarterfinals
DeQuan Jones powered NLEX to a dramatic 93-90 victory over defending champions TNT Tropang Giga, tying their PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinal series at 1-1 on Friday at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex.
Jones was sensational, dropping 38 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, leading the Road Warriors in a tightly contested battle. His stellar performance, along with Robert Bolick’s crucial late-game contributions, allowed NLEX to pull off the narrow escape and set up a pivotal Game 3 on Sunday.
In the final minutes, Bolick’s and-one play broke an 87-all tie, giving NLEX a slim advantage with just over two minutes remaining. Jones then stretched the lead to five points, 92-87, after converting two clutch free throws.
The former San Beda Red Lions cager tallied 16 points and five assists.
TNT fought hard throughout the game, but NLEX’s clutch plays in the final minutes proved to be the difference.
Despite trailing, TNT had a chance to force overtime when Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was fouled on a four-point attempt with three seconds left. However, Hollis-Jefferson missed two of his four free throws, and a loose ball foul was called on him after his final miss, sealing TNT’s fate.
Hollis-Jefferson still finished with a massive double-double, posting 22 points and 22 rebounds, but his efforts were not enough to fend off NLEX. Veterans Jayson Castro and Roger Pogoy also contributed 19 points each for TNT, but the defending champions were unable to close out in the clutch.
With the series now tied 1-1, both teams will vie for a crucial 2-1 advantage in Game 3, set to take place on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The stage is set for an intense continuation of this quarterfinal battle, with both squads eager to inch closer to the semifinals.
