TNT torches NLEX, moves one win away from semifinals
The TNT Tropang GIGA delivered a dominant performance, overpowering the NLEX Road Warriors 109-91 in Game 3 of their PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals series on Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
With the win, TNT moved just one victory away from advancing to the semifinals, taking a 2-1 lead in their best-of-five series.
After a tight Game 2 loss, the Tropang GIGA wasted no time establishing control in Game 3. They scored 32 points in the first quarter and kept their momentum going, making five consecutive three-pointers in the second frame to secure a 61-40 lead at halftime.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was once again a key figure for TNT, coming close to a triple-double with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. His all-around brilliance helped the Tropang GIGA keep NLEX at bay throughout the contest. Calvin Oftana also played a crucial role, scoring 18 points and grabbing five rebounds.
TNT’s long-range shooting proved decisive, as they hit 15 of their 33 attempts from beyond the arc. Glenn Khobuntin was a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point range, adding 17 points off the bench and earning Player of the Game honors. TNT’s offense was well-orchestrated, with the team dishing out 23 assists on 36 made field goals.
NLEX, which had tied the series with a hard-fought win in Game 2, struggled to keep up with TNT’s firepower. The Road Warriors were led by Robbie Herndon, who scored 17 points, but their import DeQuan Jones was held in check, managing just 16 points on 7-of-16 shooting after his 38-point explosion in Game 2. Robert Bolick contributed 12 points and 10 assists, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Road Warriors from falling behind by as much as 26 points in the fourth quarter.
The defending Governors’ Cup champions can now wrap up the series and punch their ticket to the semifinals in Game 4, which is scheduled for Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Tropang GIGA will look to bring the same intensity and efficiency in Game 4 as they aim to finish the series and move forward in their quest to defend their title.
Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, and NLEX will need to regroup quickly if they hope to extend the series and keep their season alive.
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