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| Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson almost dropped a triple-double to lead TNT to the playoffs. PBA Images |
PASAY--TNT completed the quarterfinal cast in the PBA Commissioner's Cup after drubbing Phoenix, 116-96, in the final elimination round game on Sunday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The Tropang Giga surged ahead in the second half, dropping 37 points on the Fuel Masters in the third quarter before holding them to just 18 points in the fourth.
Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson came close to a triple-double after tallying 35 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds with three steals and one block for TNT, which will take on Magnolia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday night back at the PhilSports Arena.
Calvin Oftana added 19 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
RR Pogoy made a return from a rare heart ailment and put up 11 points on 3-for-7 shooting from beyond the arc, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Johnathan Williams made 21 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists for Phoenix, which missed out on clinching the second seed in the next round.
Instead, the team fell to the fourth seed and a quarterfinal date with Meralco also on Wednesday night.
The outcome also meant Rain Or Shine, the hottest team right now with six straight wins, battles San Miguel, and Ginebra takes on NorthPort in the other two quarterfinal ties.
The games will take place on Friday night also at the PhilSports Arena.
The Hotshots, Beermen, Gin Kings, and the Fuel Masters will enter the quarterfinals with twice-to-beat advantages.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
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