PBA: Hollis-Jefferson erupts for 39 points as TNT nears semis return

ANTIPOLO – Rondae Hollis-Jefferson delivered an all-round performance as the TNT Tropang 5G moved closer to a PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup semifinals return. 

The defending champions dominated the Magnolia Hotshots anew, 91-73, to extend their lead to 2-0 in their best-of-five quarterfinals series  on Wednesday at the Ynares Center Antipolo. 

Hollis-Jefferson came alive early, dropping 11 points in the first quarter alone before doubling it to 23 points by halftime on 47.1% shooting. 

The TNT import finished with a double-double of 39 points and 15 rebounds, along with three blocks and two steals in their huge win.  

TNT came out firing, shooting 50% from the field to build a 12-point lead in the opening frame.  

The Tropang 5G stayed hot from beyond the arc to stretch their lead to 17 points before the Hotshots mounted a comeback.

Magnolia went on a 14-0 run to cut the deficit to two points to start the third quarter, threatening to turn the game around.

However, Hollis-Jefferson and TNT answered with a 17-4 run of their own to close the third quarter with a double-digit lead and never looked back to secure back-to-back wins. 

Import KJ Buffen led the way for Magnolia with 24 points, 13 rebounds and three assists, but also had four turnovers in a losing effort. 

The Tropang 5G will look to complete the sweep when the two teams meet again in Game 3 on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

TNT 91 – Hollis-Jefferson 39, Ganuelas-Rosser 11, Pogoy 10, Galinato 8, Oftana 6, Heading 5, Nambatac 5, Erram 3, Khobuntin 2, Jalalon 2, Castro 0, Quitevis 0, Ferrer 0, Aurin 0 

Magnolia 73 – Buffen 24, Lucero 16, Lastimosa 13, Barroca 8, Sangalang 6, Sangalang 6, Alfaro 4, Andrada 3, Koon 1, Gomez de Liaño 0, Gomez 0, Dela Rosa 0, Verano 0, Laput 0 

Quarter scores: 31-22, 51-42, 73-58, 91-73