Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Powers TNT to Victory
TNT Tropang Giga secured a hard-fought 84-82 win against the Magnolia Hotshots at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday, preserving their position at the top of Group A with a 7-2 record in the fast-paced 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup. Star import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson shined with a commanding double-double, racking up 29 points and an impressive 25 rebounds. His relentless energy was vital, while RR Pogoy delivered 19 key points. Despite Magnolia’s spirited comeback, TNT maintained just enough control to clinch the win.
Free-Throw Woes Nearly Cost TNT
Although TNT emerged victorious, head coach Chot Reyes was candid about an area for improvement. The team converted just 21 of their 32 free-throw attempts, missing 11 that kept Magnolia within striking distance. “We have to make our free throws,” Reyes commented. “The game could’ve been more comfortable if we had converted them.”
Paul Lee Sparks Late Magnolia Rally
Veteran Magnolia sharpshooter Paul Lee cut the TNT lead to just four points with a crucial three-pointer in the final 14 seconds, bringing the score to 82-78. The Hotshots forced a TNT turnover immediately after, but failed to capitalize, allowing the Tropang Giga a precious opportunity to regroup.
Jayson Castro Ices Game with Clutch Free Throws
With pressure mounting in the closing moments, TNT veteran Jayson Castro calmly sank two clutch free throws, stretching the lead to 84-78. These shots ultimately sealed the match, neutralizing Magnolia’s comeback attempt.
Shabazz Muhammad Shines but Magnolia Falls Short
Magnolia’s import, Shabazz Muhammad, put up a big fight with a 30-point, 17-rebound outing. Operating alongside key contributors Paul Lee (13 points) and Ahanmisi (12 points), Muhammad kept Magnolia in contention until the dying seconds, but it wasn’t enough to spoil TNT’s celebration.
Coach Chot Reyes: Playoff Readiness is Key
Coach Chot Reyes praised both teams’ intensity, viewing the closely contested game as ideal preparation for the upcoming playoffs. “This is the kind of matchup we’ll face in the playoffs—it’s good preparation for us,” Reyes reflected.
Upcoming Schedules for TNT and Magnolia
Looking ahead, the Tropang Giga aim to notch their sixth consecutive victory as they face Terrafirma on Thursday. Magnolia, meanwhile, will look to rebound when they square off with NorthPort on Friday.
Box Score Highlights
- TNT 84 – Hollis-Jefferson 29, Pogoy 19, Oftana 10, Castro 9, Williams 9, Khobuntin 4, Heruela 3, Erram 1
- Magnolia 82 – Muhammad 30, Lee 13, Ahanmisi 12, Barroca 10, Lucero 10, Dela Rosa 2, Abueva 2, Laput 2
Quarter-by-Quarter Scores
- Q1: 18-19
- Q2: 40-36
- Q3: 60-64
- Q4: 84-82
Stay updated with the latest from Midori Online Sports News.
You Might Also Like：PBA 2024: San Miguel Defeats NLEX 119-114
