TNT routs Group B leader Magnolia in PBA quarterfinal opener

TNT showed why it remains the team to beat in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, dismantling Group B top seed Magnolia Hotshots, 92-70, to draw first blood in their best-of-five quarterfinal series Sunday at the Ynares Center.

The No. 4 seed Tropang 5G put their championship pedigree on full display, dominating the league’s top defensive team during the eliminations to snap Magnolia’s six-game winning streak and seize a commanding 1-0 series lead.

TNT controlled the game from start to finish, winning all four quarters and building a lead of as many as 25 points before settling for the 22-point rout.

Game 2 is set for Wednesday at the same venue.

(C) PBA Images

“What was commendable tonight was the players’ attention to detail — their awareness and communication on defense. We always talked about communication on defense. We’re good on those elements tonight,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes.

Three-time Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson spearheaded the assault with 26 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals, looking fully recovered from an Achilles injury as he outplayed Magnolia reinforcement KJ Buffen.

Hollis-Jefferson struggled to find his rhythm early, missing his first six shots before eventually catching fire and leading TNT’s offensive surge.

The Tropang 5G carried a 42-33 advantage into halftime before stretching the gap to 68-51 after three quarters, leaving the Hotshots scrambling for answers in the final period.

Calvin Oftana chipped in 13 points, while Roger Pogoy and Rey Nambatac added 12 apiece as TNT showcased the depth and defensive intensity that had been inconsistent during the eliminations.

“I feel like I haven’t played in a while. They’re the No. 1 defensive team, and that’s something we talked heavily about,” said Hollis-Jefferson.

“But that’s what we talked about — resilient, that’s what we’ve been working on. We did our job, and the rest will take care of itself. It’s not gonna be easy,” he added.

(C) PBA Images

Despite the emphatic victory, Reyes stressed the need for TNT to stay sharp as Magnolia prepares to make adjustments for the next game.

“We have to be ready for whatever adjustments they will make in the next game,” he said.

It was a frustrating night for Tenorio and the Hotshots, who entered the quarterfinals as Group B’s top seed but were limited to a conference-low 70 points.

Buffen paced Magnolia with 18 points, while Zavier Lucero contributed 14 in the losing effort as the Hotshots look to regroup and even the series in Game 2.

The Scores:

TNT 92 – Hollis-Jefferson 26, Oftana 13, Pogoy 12, Nambatac 12, Rosser 11, Galinato 6, Heading 6, Castro 2, Jalalon 2, Khobuntin 2, Erram 0, Aurin 0, Quitevis 0.

Magnolia 70 – Buffen 18, Lucero 14, Barroca 11, Sangalang 8, Lastimosa 6, Koon 6, Alfaro 4, Dela Rosa 2, Gomez de Liano 1, Jopia 0, Andrada 0, Laput 0.

Quarterscores: 19-15, 42-33, 68-51, 92-70

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