MANILA – TNT Tropang Giga powered through a strong third quarter en route to shellacking the Meralco Bolts, 93-73, in their PBA Governors’ Cup clash at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday (22 Aug 2024) night.
After a closely contested first half, TNT surged ahead in the third quarter, outscoring Meralco 31-16 to take a commanding 70-57 lead heading into the final period. The Tropang Giga sealed the victory by maintaining their dominance with a 23-16 advantage in the fourth quarter.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson delivered an all-around performance for TNT, nearly achieving a rare 5×5 stat line with 25 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and three blocks. TNT improved to 2-0 in Group A.
Rey Nambatac contributed 16 points, seven rebounds, and one assist to the win.
For Meralco, Chris Banchero led the way with 18 points, three rebounds, and four assists. Banchero also made history by sinking another shot from the new four-point range, making him the first player to do so in multiple games. Meralco dropped to 1-1.
In the earlier game, NLEX secured a decisive 104-87 victory over Blackwater in their conference opener, marking a successful debut for head coach Jong Uichico. After a tight first quarter, the Road Warriors pulled away with a 28-15 second quarter and maintained their momentum by scoring 33 points in the third quarter.
Myke Henry shone for NLEX with 31 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and one block, while Robert Bolick added 24 points on perfect shooting from inside the three-point arc, along with nine rebounds, 11 assists, and two steals.
Despite strong efforts from Christian David and Troy Rosario, who each scored 17 points, Blackwater fell to 0-2 in Group B. David also recorded 10 rebounds.
(ia/mnm)