MANILA – TNT Tropang Giga leaned on a strong second half performance to defeat Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 90-81, in Game 1 of the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals on Wednesday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson posted a near triple-double numbers of 36 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists to go with five steals and four blocks as the Tropang Giga gained a 1-0 edge in the best-of-seven series.
Roger Pogoy added 16 markers, Rey Nambatac contributed 14 points and nine rebounds, while Calvin Oftana had a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds for the reigning champions Tropang Giga.
Down by four points at the half, the Tropang Giga went on a strong start in the third quarter behind Nambatac, Pogoy, and John Paul Erram as they established a 75-66 advantage.
The Painters tried to come close early in the fourth period, but the Tropang Giga responded with timely conversions from Hollis-Jefferson and Pogoy for their largest lead of 13 points at 80-67.
Tropang Giga head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes said he urged the players to stay composed in the second half and just do what they have practiced, which led to their series opener win.
“Well, I just told the players at halftime, in the locker room, that they must relax because I though the game were going our way, we were down by four (at the half) but the pace were in our favor,” said Reyes.
“We were happy with the pace of the game, with how the game was going at the half, so we just went to the second half executing what we have practiced,” added the former Gilas Pilipinas mentor.
Aaron Fuller struggled offensively to finish with 18 points and 21 rebounds, while Gian Mamuyac and Anton Asistion contributed 14 and 13 markers, respectively, for the Painters./PN
BOX SCORE:
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.
Quarterscores: 22-24, 39-43, 75-66, 90-81.
