PBA: RHJ, TNT cruise past NLEX to secure semis berth

MANILA, October 2 ------ The TNT Tropang GIGA took a step towards the semifinals of the 2024 PBA Governors' Cup after torching NLEX, 109-91 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The Tropang GIGA found their mark from long range in Game 3 of the best-of-5 quarterfinals series, making 15 of their 33 attempts including all five in the second quarter. They also kept NLEX import DeQuan Jones in check, forcing him to shoot just 7-of-16 from the field for 16 points after his 38-point explosion in Game 2. "It has to be a combination of good defense with good offense. Finally tonight, we were able to get both together," said TNT coach Chot Reyes after their comfortable win.

The Tropang GIGA set the tone by scoring 32 points in the opening period, then made all five of their three-point attempts in the second quarter to build a commanding 61-40 lead at the break. While NLEX finally got going in the third period -- where they scored 28 points -- they had no answer for TNT on the defensive end with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Calvin Oftana both having their way offensively.

Hollis-Jefferson just fell short of a triple-double with 27 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, while Oftana had 18 points. As a team, TNT shot 48% from the field, with 23 assists on their 36 field goals. Robbie Herndon had 17 points to lead NLEX, as Robert Bolick went 3-of-8 from the field for 12 points to go with his 10 dimes. The Tropang GIGA can clinch the series on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Scores :

TNT 109 – Hollis-Jefferson 27, Oftana 18, Khobuntin 17, Nambatac 17, Williams 11, Pogoy 8, Castro 6, Erram 4, Aurin 1, Heruela 0, Payawal 0, Ebona 0, Galinato 0

NLEX 91 – Herndon 17, Jones 16, Bolick 12, Policarpio 11, Anthony 9, Valdez 6, Torres 6, Mocon 4, Semerad 3, Rodger 3, Nieti 2, Amer 2, Nermal 1, Miranda 0

QUARTERS : 32-21, 61-40, 89-68, 109-91

Source: news.abs-cbn.com