Author: Bon Maddagan
Photo Credit: PBA Images
The Tropang Giga claimed Game 1 of the best of seven series after taking down the Elasto Painters in October 09.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the reigning Best Import of the Conference, delivered a standout performance, narrowly missing a triple-double with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists. His impact also extended to the defensive end, where he recorded 5 steals and 4 blocks. Roger Pogoy provided strong support with 16 points and 7 rebounds, while Rey Nambatac lit up his former team with 14. Calvin Oftana also stepped up with a double-double.
Fuller’s Strong Effort Falls Short as TNT’s Defense Holds Firm
On the other hand, Aaron Fuller continued his dominance with 18 points and 21 rebounds. Despite the monster numbers, TNT was able to contain the big man for the most part, as he was just limited to a 7/19 shooting. Gian Mamuyac added 15 points to help their cause, however, the rest of the team struggled to make a significant impact on the game.
Nambatac was a game-changer, igniting his team with an explosive third quarter. He scored 11 of his 14 points in the period, fueling a 36-point outburst that transformed a 4-point deficit into a 9-point advantage.
TNT would then lead by as much as 13 (80-67) after an Erram made basket. But Felix Lemetti was there to give life to his squad with two three-pointers propelling them into a surge that cut the margin down to just 6 (80-74). In response, Oftana and Hollis-Jefferson helped restore the lead to double digits (84-74). Rain or Shine, however, continued to claw their way back, closing the gap to 7 points (86-79), but Hollis-Jefferson delivered a crushing four-point dagger to secure the victory for his team.
The Scores:
- TNT 90 – Hollis-Jefferson 26, Pogoy 16, Nambatac 14, Oftana 11, Castro 9, Aurin 6, Erram 5, Khobuntin 3, Galinato 0, Williams 0, Heruela 0
- RAIN OR SHINE 81 – Fuller 18, Mamuyac 14, Asistio 13, Nocum 7, Lemetti 7, Clarito 6, Datu 6, Norwood 5, Santillan 4, Caracut 1, Belga 0
- QUARTERS: 22-24, 39-43, 75-66, 90-81
