PBA: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, TNT blow out Magnolia in quarterfinals opener

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson resolved his early scoring woes to help TNT eke out a dominant 92-70 win against Magnolia in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup quarterfinals on Sunday at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

Hollis-Jefferson started out flat after missing his first six shots, but went on dropping 19 points since then to finish with 26 points together with nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals to help the defending champions take the best-of-five series opener.

The resident import did not lack support from the local crew with Calvin Oftana dropping 13 points, RR Pogoy and Rey Nambatac both tallying 12 markers, and Bradon Ganuelas-Rosser chipping in 11.

"I think they're the number one defensive team throughout the regular season so that was something we talked heavily about and understand that it wouldn't be easy," Hollis-Jefferson said.

"But this is something that we talked about all the time, to stay poised, stay resilient."

Up against a team big on defense, the Tropang 5G leaned on its offense early on. They ended the first half enjoying a 42-33 lead before pouring in 26 in the third behind Hollis-Jefferson while limiting the Hotshots to 18 for a comfortable 68-51 cushion.

Magnolia never threatened comeback since then with Hollis-Jefferson shaking off the defense of Ian Sangalang and using his left hand to complete a layup that sent TNT to its biggest lead at 86-61 in the final 5:16.

Magnolia, which closed out the elimination round atop Group B, now has to regroup in order not to fall into a 0-2 hole.

Scores:

TNT 92 – Hollis-Jefferson 26, Oftana 13, Pogoy 12, Nambatac 12, Ganuelas-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.

Quarters: 19-15, 42-33, 68-51, 92-70.

—JKC, GMA News