PBA: TNT upends Blackwater in happy ending to 2024

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the way anew for TNT in its final game for 2024. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--TNT began building up a winning run in the PBA Commissioner's Cup after edging Blackwater, 109-95, on Thursday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

In a clash of teams at the lower half of the team standings at this point of the conference, the Tropang Giga, getting the benefit of an eight-day rest, slowly but surely pulled away from the Bossing, who despite showing promise in the second quarter could not translate it into a second-half barrage to steal the win.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson put up 22 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block for TNT, which has now won back-to-back games after a 0-2 start.

Rey Nambatac added 19 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

In his first game back after sitting out the first three games of the conference, Jayson Castro finished with 16 points on 5-of-6 shooting, one rebound, two assists, and three steals while making his first career four-pointer, which also happened to be TNT's only attack from 27 feet out.

After sitting out for eight straight nights, the team will have a 19-day Christmas break and will return to action on Jan. 7 against Meralco at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

George King put up 28 points, nine rebounds, and one assist for Blackwater, which fell to 1-5.

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