TNT Tropang Giga Secure Top Seed in PBA Governors’ Cup Playoffs with Win over Ginebra Kings
In the PBA Governors’ Cup elimination round on Friday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, the TNT Tropang Giga outscored the Barangay Ginebra Kings by 114-105 in the fourth quarter to extend their winning streak to eight games.
Import TNT’s fiery 30-7 final salvo was led by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Mikee Williams, and RR Pogoy, and it helped them win the game and earn the number one seed in the playoffs of the season-ending tournament.
After falling behind 98-84, the Tropa came back and took the lead for good at 100-99 on an impressive run capped by a thunderous left-handed jam by Hollis-Jefferson.
After that, Pogoy, Williams, and Calvin Oftana took over as the Tropang Giga’s finishers, ensuring a 10-1 record for the team in the preliminary rounds.
They prevented Ginebra from clinching the top seed and sent the Gin Kings tumbling to third place with an 8-3 record.
San Miguel Beer started the day with a 129-116 victory over Rain or Shine, improving their record to 9-2 and putting them in second place.
After one round of eliminations, TNT, SMB, Ginebra, and Meralco have secured the top four spots.
In the quarterfinals, they will face either the No. 5 Magnolia, No. 6 NLEX, No. 7 Converge, or the No. 8 Phoenix Super LPG, all of whom they have already beaten twice.
On Sunday, the Beermen and the Kings will play their respective quarterfinal games against the FiberXers and the Road Warriors at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Top-seeded Tropang Giga takes a break before Wednesday’s Big Dome rematch with the Fuel Masters.
Hollis-Jefferson kept TNT’s perfect record intact in the local pro league with 34 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and four steals in a victory over Ginebra.
Williams and Pogoy contributed significantly, with 25 and 22 points, respectively. Oftana scored 12, and Jayson Castro scored 11.
With 27 points, Justin Brownlee led the way for the losing team.
Final Thoughts
The TNT Tropang Giga’s impressive performance in the PBA Governors’ Cup elimination round proved they are a strong contender for the championship. Their victory over the Barangay Ginebra Kings extended their winning streak to eight games and secured the top seed in the playoffs. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Mikee Williams, and RR Pogoy led TNT’s fiery final salvo in the fourth quarter, earning them a 10-1 record in the preliminary rounds.
The loss sent the Ginebra Kings tumbling to third place, while San Miguel Beer improved their record to 9-2, securing second place. The top four teams, including TNT, SMB, Ginebra, and Meralco, have secured their spots in the quarterfinals and will face Magnolia, NLEX, Converge, or Phoenix Super LPG.
TNT’s victory showcased their impressive teamwork and depth, with several players contributing significantly. Hollis-Jefferson’s stellar performance, with 34 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and four steals, earned him the player of the game award.
As the teams prepare for the quarterfinals, seeing how they will perform under pressure will be interesting. With PBA odds in mind, the top-seeded Tropang Giga will have a break before their Big Dome rematches with the Fuel Masters, and it remains to be seen if they can maintain their perfect record in the local pro league. Nonetheless, TNT’s strong showing in the elimination round has made them a team to watch out for in the playoffs.
The Scores:
TNT 114 – Hollis-Jefferson 34, M.Williams 25, Pogoy 22, Oftana 12, Castro 12, K.Williams 5, Chua 2, Ganuelas-Rosser 2, Montalbo 0, Varilla 0, Khobuntin 0.
Ginebra 105 – Brownlee 27, Standhardinger 19, Thompson 19, Malonzo 15, Pringle 10, Gray 5, Pessumal 3, David 3, Onwubere 2, Dillinger 2, Pinto 0, Mariano 0.
Quarters: 23-27, 47-56, 82-93, 114-105
