TNT Tropang Giga defend Governors’ Cup Crown with thrilling Game 6 victory
The TNT Tropang Giga cemented their reign as back-to-back champions of the PBA Governors’ Cup, overcoming Barangay Ginebra in a dramatic 95-85 triumph in Game 6 on Friday, November 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Fueled by a masterful performance from two-time Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, TNT completed a stunning comeback to secure the crown. Hollis-Jefferson tallied 31 points, 16 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals, delivering clutch plays in a decisive 12-0 run that turned an 83-85 deficit into victory.
Trailing by double digits in the second half after a scintillating scoring display from Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos, the Tropang Giga showed championship mettle in the closing moments. Hollis-Jefferson carried the offensive load, while veterans Jayson Castro and Roger Pogoy provided crucial support.
Pogoy’s late-game heroics included a dagger three-pointer that extended TNT’s lead to 94-85 with just a minute remaining, effectively sealing their 10th championship in franchise history. Castro contributed 13 points and 6 assists, while Rey Nambatac added 12 points and 6 rebounds in the team effort.
For Ginebra, the loss overshadowed a career performance from Abarrientos, who exploded for 31 points on 11-of-17 shooting, including 18 in the second quarter to propel the Gin Kings to a 43-42 halftime lead. Justin Brownlee, vying for his seventh PBA title, finished with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists but fell short for the second consecutive Governors’ Cup Finals against TNT.
The Tropang Giga’s victory not only marked their second straight Governors’ Cup championship but also reinforced their dominance over a Ginebra squad that had ruled this tournament for years. Hollis-Jefferson’s relentless effort and the Tropang Giga’s composure in crunch time underscored their championship pedigree.
With a roaring crowd of 14,668 witnessing the showdown, TNT’s defense of their crown showcased why they remain the team to beat, concluding a remarkable best-of-seven series in a 4-2 fashion.
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