TNT clobbers Magnolia in PBA Govs' Cup QF opener

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led TNT to a statement playoff win against Magnolia. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG—Fourth-seeded TNT looked like the higher seed in its PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals against top-seeded Magnolia after opening the best-of-five affair with a 92-70 blowout on Sunday night at the Ynares Center 1 in Antipolo.

The Tropang 5G turned to their defense to wallop the Hotshots, never letting them score 20 or more in each period while gradually pulling away.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led TNT with 26 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals, while Calvin Oftana added 13 points and 11 rebounds.

KJ Buffen put up 18 points, nine rebounds, one steal, and one block to lead Magnolia, while Zav Lucero added 14 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal.