PBA: RHJ takes over as TNT ousts Rain or Shine to capture first Finals ticket | ABS-CBN
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PBA: RHJ takes over as TNT ousts Rain or Shine to capture first Finals ticket
Kennedy Caacbay,
ABS-CBN News
Published Mar 07, 2025 07:23 PM PHT
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Updated Mar 07, 2025 09:32 PM PHT
TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in action. PBA Images
TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in action. PBA ImagesMANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson took matters into his own hands in Game 5, leading the charge to oust Rain or Shine, 97-92, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson took matters into his own hands in Game 5, leading the charge to oust Rain or Shine, 97-92, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Hollis-Jefferson, who has two Best Import citations to his name, dropped a massive double-double of 42 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, but most importantly, the crucial baskets and defensive stops late in the fourth quarter to complete a 4-1 rout of their semis rivals in the best-of-seven contest.
Hollis-Jefferson, who has two Best Import citations to his name, dropped a massive double-double of 42 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, but most importantly, the crucial baskets and defensive stops late in the fourth quarter to complete a 4-1 rout of their semis rivals in the best-of-seven contest.
"We really showed a lot of heart and guts down the stretch," said coach Chot Reyes in the postgame press conference.
"We really showed a lot of heart and guts down the stretch," said coach Chot Reyes in the postgame press conference.
The Tropang Giga, who trailed by as much as 13 points in the third, managed to claw their way back, trimming that deficit down with a 15-4 run to end the said frame and enter the last period only behind by one, 66-67.
The Tropang Giga, who trailed by as much as 13 points in the third, managed to claw their way back, trimming that deficit down with a 15-4 run to end the said frame and enter the last period only behind by one, 66-67.
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After exchange of conversions in the first six minutes of the fourth, the TNT reinforcement finally gave his team the driver's seat as he made a jumper with 6:40 left, 78-77 -- a lead that, which turned out, the Tropang Giga held on to until the end of the match.
After exchange of conversions in the first six minutes of the fourth, the TNT reinforcement finally gave his team the driver's seat as he made a jumper with 6:40 left, 78-77 -- a lead that, which turned out, the Tropang Giga held on to until the end of the match.
The Elasto Painters were able to stay within striking distance, but that was actually it for the Rain or Shine side as Hollis-Jefferson, Rey Nambatac, Kelly Williams, and Calvin Oftana all connived and made pivotal baskets to keep the separation in their favor.
The Elasto Painters were able to stay within striking distance, but that was actually it for the Rain or Shine side as Hollis-Jefferson, Rey Nambatac, Kelly Williams, and Calvin Oftana all connived and made pivotal baskets to keep the separation in their favor.
Just when a Santi Santillan layup gave some glimpse of hope for Yeng Guiao and company, Oftana fired the dagger trey, 93-86, with around 39 seconds remaining to make it a two-possession ballgame.
Just when a Santi Santillan layup gave some glimpse of hope for Yeng Guiao and company, Oftana fired the dagger trey, 93-86, with around 39 seconds remaining to make it a two-possession ballgame.
Adrian Nocum's four-point shot with less than 10 ticks left helped Rain or Shine close in at 96-92, but Hollis-Jefferson's split from the charity stripe marked TNT's Game 5 win, capping a 17-point output in the fourth quarter.
Adrian Nocum's four-point shot with less than 10 ticks left helped Rain or Shine close in at 96-92, but Hollis-Jefferson's split from the charity stripe marked TNT's Game 5 win, capping a 17-point output in the fourth quarter.
"We just wanted to make sure that before the ballgame, we talked that we stay present and not allow our minds to wander during the game," said Reyes.
"We just wanted to make sure that before the ballgame, we talked that we stay present and not allow our minds to wander during the game," said Reyes.
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Nambatac and Oftana headlined TNT's locals, listing 12 points each, with the latter also registering 12 rebounds for a double-double performance.
Nambatac and Oftana headlined TNT's locals, listing 12 points each, with the latter also registering 12 rebounds for a double-double performance.
Rain or Shine's Deon Thompson, for his part, delivered a decent 34-point showing and added six boards.
Rain or Shine's Deon Thompson, for his part, delivered a decent 34-point showing and added six boards.
Nocum concluded with 13 markers, while Caracut was also in double digits with 10.
Nocum concluded with 13 markers, while Caracut was also in double digits with 10.
The Scores:
TNT 97 – Hollis-Jefferson 42, Nambatac 12, Oftana 12, Pogoy 9, Khobuntin 9,Williams 8, Aurin 3, Erram 2, Heruela 0, Galinato 0
TNT 97 – Hollis-Jefferson 42, Nambatac 12, Oftana 12, Pogoy 9, Khobuntin 9,Williams 8, Aurin 3, Erram 2, Heruela 0, Galinato 0
RAIN OR SHINE 92 – Thompson 34, Nocum 13, Caracut 10, Tiongson 8, Santillan 7, Lemetti 6, Mamuyac 5, Norwood 5, Ildefonso 4, Clarito 0, Datu 0, Asistio
RAIN OR SHINE 92 – Thompson 34, Nocum 13, Caracut 10, Tiongson 8, Santillan 7, Lemetti 6, Mamuyac 5, Norwood 5, Ildefonso 4, Clarito 0, Datu 0, Asistio
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QUARTERS: 28-27, 44-46, 66-67, 97-92
QUARTERS: 28-27, 44-46, 66-67, 97-92
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