MANILA, Philippines – TNT not only extended its winning streak in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup but also asserted its mastery over Barangay Ginebra.
In a rematch of the Governors’ Cup finals, the Tropang Giga outlasted the Gin Kings, 91-86, to claim their sixth straight win and stay atop the standings at the PhilSports Arena on Friday, January 17.
Calvin Oftana and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson took turns as TNT beat Ginebra for the third straight time to hike its league-best record to 6-2.
But the win did not come easy for the Tropang Giga as the Gin Kings paraded an upgraded roster featuring newly acquired Troy Rosario and comebacking forward Jamie Malonzo.
“In a lot of ways, Ginebra has so many weapons. We just basically have to pick our poison against them,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes.
Oftana finished with 32 points and 7 rebounds, while Hollis-Jefferson turned in 25 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals, including a pair of free throws that gave the Tropang Giga a commanding 87-75 lead.
Ginebra, though, refused to go out without a fight and unleashed an 11-2 run capped by 6 straight Justin Brownlee points to get within 86-89 with under 30 seconds remaining.
But Oftana shut the door on the Gin Kings as he coolly sank two free throws to seal the win.
“We had no disillusions, we knew they would come back,” said Reyes.
Poy Erram chimed in 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks for TNT, while Jayson Castro put up 9 points and 6 assists in a game attended by their former teammate Mikey Williams.
Williams, who led the Tropang Giga to a pair of championships, has not played for TNT for nearly two years due to a contract dispute.
Brownlee delivered 20 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 assists to pace Ginebra, which dropped to seventh place with a 6-4 card.
Stephen Holt had 18 points and 7 rebounds, while Rosario tallied 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals against his former team TNT.
The Scores
TNT 91 – Oftana 32, Hollis-Jefferson 25, Erram 10, Castro 9, Pogoy 6, Razon 3, Aurin 3, Khobuntin 3, Galinato 0, K. Williams 0, Heruela 0.
Barangay Ginebra 86 – Brownlee 20, Holt 18, Rosario 16, Thompson 9, Abarrientos 8, J. Aguilar 7, Malonzo 6, Ahanmisi 2.
Quarters: 22-25, 45-46, 68-64, 91-86.
– Rappler.com