The PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium delivered the goods in more ways than one. Both games had playoff implications—and both games went down the wire, ending on game-winners. Here is a recap of the action:
TNT Ekes Out Thriller vs. Converge Behind Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s Heroics
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson hit the go-ahead jumper to bail out the TNT Tropang Giga, 98-96, in a thriller over the Converge FiberXers.
The two-time Best Import was at his best in this potential Finals preview, dropping 31 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals for the Tropa, who led by as much as 12 at one point. But the FiberXers fought back like they seem to always do and engaged TNT in a back-and-forth struggle that featured 12 deadlocks and 18 lead changes. The final one was courtesy RHJ’s fadeaway jumper for the final tally.
Rey Nambatac and Calvin Oftana added 13 and 12, respectively, with Oftana nailing the crucial triple that tied the game at 96. Cheick Diallo led Converge with a game-high 37 points and 15 rebounds but muffed two critical free throws in the end game. Justine Baltazar played a starring role as well, resetting his career-high with 17 points and grabbing 8 rebounds.
Up next:
Converge vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on January 14 (Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
TNT vs. NLEX Road Warriors on January 15 (Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
The Scores:
TNT (98) – Hollis-Jefferson 31, Pogoy 22, Nambatac 13, Oftana 12, Khobuntin 8, K.Williams 4, Aurin 3, Erram 3, Castro 2
Converge (96) – Diallo 37, Baltazar 17, Heading 12, Winston 11, Arana 9, Stockton 7, Racal 3
Phoenix Pulls Rug Under Rain or Shine in Stunning Reversal
Ken Tuffin scored the game-winning putback with 0.3 remaining to help the Phoenix Fuel Masters stun the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 93-91, in a stunning upset.
Donovan Smith, who promised Phoenix will make the most out of their fresh start this 2025, led the way with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Tuffin finished with 8 and the game’s most important basket. Tyler Tio and RR Garcia scattered 16 and 14, respectively.
Deon Thompson had 22 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals for the Elasto Painters, who overcame a nine-point deficit in the fourth to tie the game at 91. Adrian Nocum continued his strong play for Rain or Shine with 19 markers, while Jhonard Clarito chipped in 16.
Up next:
Phoenix vs. Magnolia Hotshots on January 16 (PhilSports Arena)
Rain or Shine vs. Converge on January 14 (Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
The Scores:
Phoenix (93) – Smith 22, Tio 16, Garcia 14, Perkins 12, Jazul 11, Ballungay 8, Tuffin 8, Daves 2
Rain or Shine (91) – Thompson 22, Santillan 19, Nocum 16, Clarito 11, Caracut 8, Datu 7, Belga 5, Demusis 3
PBA Commissioner’s Cup Heats Up Even More
The PBA Commissioner’s Cup twin bill later today will see three teams trying to move up to the upper half of the standings. In the first game, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel will take on the Blackwater Bossing. In the second game, it will be Magnolia going up against the San Miguel Beermen.
