TNT blows lead, recovers to hold off Meralco

TNT forward Calvin Oftana goes for a hook shot against Meralco’s CJ Cansino in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–TNT woke up just in time to avoid a meltdown, warding off Meralco, 101-99, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Tuesday night.

The Tropang Giga leaned on Calvin Oftana’s 24 points and four rebounds, and import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s clutch freebies to upend the Bolts, their sister team, in the clash at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

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“In the end, we were able to settle down and not panic. And in the end, the players made big plays, and I guess that’s the story,” TNT coach Chot Reyes said, whose crew nearly let a win slip after allowing a 23-point cushion erased by the Bolts.

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Hollis-Jefferson also finished with 24 points and had 13 rebounds and five assists. Rey Nambatac and Roger Pogoy tallied at least 12 points each as the telco club rose to 3-2 in the standings.

Meralco put up a gallant stand behind import Akil Mitchell’s 24 points, while Chris Newsome, Chris Banchero, and Bong Quinto helped out in the scoring chores. But their numbers weren’t enough to finish the job, as the Bolts dropped to 4-3.

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TNT battles Converge next on Jan. 11, while Meralco takes on another corporate sibling in NLEX on Jan 15.

The Scores:

TNT 101 – Hollis-Jefferson 24, Oftana 24, Nambatac 15, Pogoy 12, Castro 7, Erram 6, Galinato 5, Aurin 5, Khobuntin 3, Razon 0, Varilla 0.

MERALCO 99 – Mitchell 24, Newsome 19, Banchero 14, Quinto 12, Black 8, Hodge 6, Rios 5, Bates 4, Almazan 4, Cansino 3, Caram 0.

Quarterscores: 27-17, 52-35, 79-68, 101-99.