Rondae Hollis-Jefferson explosive in PBA return as TNT holds off NorthPort

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson exploded in his PBA return. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Rondae Hollis-Jefferson exploded in his comeback game to lead TNT to a 101-95 win against NorthPort in their PBA Governors' Cup game on Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Hollis-Jefferson, returning to the Tropang Giga's active lineup for the first time after a back injury he suffered last December, came close to a rare 5x5, finishing with 32 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, four steals, and four blocks.

"I dedicated myself to the sport, and at the end of the day, you get rewarded," the Jordan international said.

However, they still had to survive a late scare as NorthPort hit a clutch four to make things interesting.

Down eight, 91-99, with 33 seconds left, Arvin Tolentino scored one from 27 feet out to cut the lead to half with 25 seconds remaining.

They then forced TNT to a turnover, giving them the ball back with 24.6 seconds to go.

The Tropang Giga tightened up on their perimeter defense and never let the Batang Pier get an attempt from four-point range again as the shotclock expired.

Hollis-Jefferson sealed the win for TNT with two free throws.

Calvin Oftana, who became the first player to hit multiple four-pointers in PBA history after going 2-for-2 from way deep, added 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal for the Tropang Giga, who began their title defense on a high note.

Taylor Johns flirted with a triple-double as he put up 36 points, 16 rebounds, and nine assists with one steal and one block for NorthPort.

Tolentino added 23 points, eight rebounds, one assist, two steals, and two blocks.

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