MANILA, Philippines – As far as Chot Reyes is concerned, it will be another PBA title clash between TNT and Barangay Ginebra.
Reyes expects the Gin Kings to also advance after the Tropang Giga reached the finals of the Commissioner’s Cup following a 97-92 comeback win over Rain or Shine at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, March 7.
TNT leaned on import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to finish off the Elasto Painters in five games of their best-of-seven semifinals and make the finals for the second straight conference after ruling the Governors’ Cup earlier this season.
“I don’t think it’s any secret, we’re going to play Ginebra in the finals,” Reyes said candidly. “We all know how strong and how deep that team is.”
The Gin Kings tote a 3-1 lead over NorthPort in the other final four bracket, winning the first three games convincingly by an average of 20.7 points.
If Ginebra advances, it will face TNT in the finals for the third time over the last three seasons as they vied for the crown in the past two editions of the Governors’ Cup.
Hollis-Jefferson churned out 42 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks, doing it all for a Tropang Giga side that erased a double-digit deficit to prevent Rain or Shine from forcing a Game 6.
The two-time Best Import took over in the fourth quarter, where he poured 17 points of his total output, including a free throw with under 10 seconds left that sealed the deal.
Rey Nambatac put up 12 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Calvin Oftana tossed in a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds — the two also figuring prominently for TNT in its decisive finish.
Oftana buried a three-pointer that gave the Tropang Giga a 93-86 cushion with 40 seconds to play and Nambatac sank a foul shot that pushed their lead to 96-88.
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.
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.
Quarters: 28-27, 44-46, 66-67, 97-92.
– Rappler.com