PBA: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson dunk lifts TNT to 3-1 semis lead vs ROS

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson sealed a rare 5x5 with game-winning plays. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MAKATI--Rondae Hollis-Jefferson scored what would be the marginal basket for TNT in an 81-79 win against Rain Or Shine in Game 3 of the PBA Governors' Cup semifinals on Wednesday night at the Smart Aranrta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Hollis-Jefferson essentially won it for the Tropang Giga in style, slamming the ball with 37 seconds left that broke a 79-all tie.

He then blocked Jhonard Clarito's layup that could have tied the game again in the next play.

Andrei Caracut tried to take the lead for the Elasto Painters from way out, but he missed his four-point attempt even as Gian Mamuyac's putback only hit the rim too and Clarito lost the ball after his offensive rebound to Hollis-Jefferson.

With 1.1 seconds left on the clock, Hollis-Jefferson, who missed his first free throw off Clarito's foul, intentionally missed his second so the clock can run out in the end.

Hollis-Jefferson's game-saving defensive gems completed a rare 5x5 for him as he finished with 23 points, 19 rebounds, and exactly five in each of assists, steals, and blocks.

Rey Nambatac and Calvin Oftana each added 15 points with Nambatac also grabbing 11 rebounds as TNT now holds a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

The team can close out the series on Friday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Aaron Fuller led ROS with 22 points, 18 rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

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