MANILA – TNT Tropang Giga relied on another strong third quarter performance to defeat the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 108-91, in Game 2 of the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Calvin Oftana delivered a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds to go with two assists to be named Player of the Game as the Tropang Giga took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Holding to a slim 47-44 lead at the half, the Tropang Giga leaned on conversions by Oftana, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, and Rey Nambatac in the third quarter to establish an 85-65 advantage.
The defending champions went on with their offensive onslaught in the fourth quarter behind Hollis-Jefferson as the lead reached 23 points at 105-82 with still two minutes left in the 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 are No. 1 in defensive stops,” said TNT head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes.
Meanwhile, the PBA suspended controversial guard John Amores for all of the NorthPort Batang Pier matches in the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner’s Cup for his involvement in a shooting incident in Lumban, Laguna last month.
In a press conference last night, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said Amores will not receive salary from his mother team during the suspension period and is mandated to undergo counseling.
“In coordination with the management of NorthPort, the Commissioner has decided that John Amores will be suspended for all his games in the next conference,” Marcial said.
“In order for Amores to be allowed to play again in the PBA, he must without delay submit to counseling to address his anger and violent reaction tendencies, and clearance to play must be obtained from his counselors,” he added.
While suspended, Marcial said Amores can still join the Batang Pier’s practices as “isolating him from his normal environment will not be helpful and healthy for his rehabilitation.”
“He must learn to deal with his issues under as normal circumstances as possible,” Marcial said. “It is under normal settings, including the challenges and stress they create, where he can fully exercise tolerance and restraint.”/PN
