TNT came out with its usual effort on the defensive end, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was his usual do-it-all self as the Tropang Giga drew first blood versus the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in their PBA Governors' Cup semifinal showdown at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig Wednesday night.
Hollis-Jefferson flirted with a triple-double as he spearheaded TNT's lockdown game leading to a 90-81 decision in the opener of the race-to-four series.
RHJ logged 26 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists while the entire TNT team was superb in a defensive effort, holding the Elasto Painters way below their average of 108.3 points.
The Tropang Giga even outdid themselves in limiting the E-Painters to below 80. In their previous outings, the Tropa allowed 89.4 points a game.
"The only way we can win this series is through our defense. They're the No. 2 team in scoring, No. 1 in field goal and fastbreak points and we're No. 1 in defensive stops. So for us to win, we have to limit their production," said TNT coach Chot Reyes.
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RHJ and his teammates made the E-Painters to bleed for their points, hitting at a 34-percent clip. And the Tropa beat the E-Painters in their own game, gaining the upperhand on transition points, 26-21.
Their fine game was in full display in the third quarter where they unleashed a 36-23 salvo to seize control at 75-66 after trailing by four, 39-43, at the half.
Rey Nambatac was a spark plug in TNT's crucial run, sizzling with 11 of his 14 points in the third period versus his former teammates.
RR Pogoy and Calvin Oftana had their significant help with 16 and 11 points, respectively.
Aaron Fuller led Rain or Shine with 18 points and 21 rebounds although needing to sit out precious minutes after incurring a fourth foul.
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Actually, he had had 15 markers and 12 boards by the end of the opening half.
With Fuller on the bench, the Elasto Painters fought on. And they were still within striking distance until Hollis-Jefferson drained a dagger trey to make it 90-79 with time down to 1:47.
The Tropang Giga go for the 2-0 lead as action swings over to the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday.(SB)
The Scores :
TNT 90 - Hollis-Jefferson 26, Pogoy 16, Nambatac 14, Oftana 11, Castro 9, Aurin 6, Erram 5, Khobuntin 3, Galinato 0, Williams 0, Heruela 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 81 - Fuller 18, Mamuyac 14, Asistio 13, Nocum 7, Lemetti 7, Clarito 6, Datu 6, Norwood 5, Santillan 4, Caracut 1, Belga 0.
QUARTERS : 22-24, 39-43, 75-66, 90-81
