Author: Bon Maddagan
Photo Credit: PBA Images
Despite trailing for most of the game, the TNT Tropang Giga turned things around in the second half to take a 1-0 lead over the NLEX Road Warriors in their best-of-five series.
RHJ was all over the place finishing with 45 huge points together with 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals. RR Pogoy who came off the bench, provided a spark and chipped in 13. Jayson Castro also delivered timely baskets and finished with 12. Five other players scored with 7 or more to help their cause.
Meanwhile, DeQuan Jones continued to shine for NLEX, finishing with a strong 38-point performance. While six players scored 7 or more.
Physical Play And Defensive Adjustments In TNT vs. NLEX
The playoffs have obviously arrived as evidenced by this highly physical game. Just a few minutes in the opening tip and we already saw RHJ drawing a hard foul on a driving Robert Bolick. Bolick took a shot to the head and was down for some time, but eventually shook off the impact and helped his team assert their will early. The Road Warriors led by as much as 13, thanks to their stifling defense. Anthony Semerad played a heavy role in it, limiting Hollis-Jefferson’s scoring output.
The Tropang Giga started to come alive in the second half and TNT’s full-court press was the catalyst. By effectively denying Robert Bolick the chance to bring the ball up the court, TNT forced turnovers and ignited a 15-5 run. This surge propelled them within striking distance at 58-61.
NLEX countered with their own adjustments, and Basser Amer helped them reclaim the lead (75-80). However, RHJ ignited an 11-2 surge, putting TNT back on top (86-80). The game remained a back-and-forth battle until Calvin Oftana stepped up, scoring 5 crucial points that extended their lead to 9 (100-91) and eventually secured the win.
The Scores:
- TNT 107 – Hollis-Jefferson 45, Pogoy 13, Castro 12, Nambatac 11, Williams 9, Oftana 8, Khobuntin 7, Erram 7, Erram 2, Aurin 0, Exciminiano 0, Heruela 0
- NLEX 102 – Jones 38, Valdez 11, Amer 11, Bolick 10, Rodger 9, Mocon 8, Miranda 7, Semerad 3, Torres 3, Policarpio 2
- QUARTERS: 24-29, 41-49, 73-71, 107-102
