Hollis-Jefferson drops triple-double as TNT wallops Meralco by 30 in Game 1

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson dropped a triple-double to steer TNT to a 110-80 blowout victory against Meralco to draw first blood in their best-of-five semifinals affair in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday.

The import poured in 22 points on top of 13 rebounds and 12 assists alongside two steals and two blocks as the Tropang Giga took the series opener.

It was back-to-back triple-double outings for Hollis-Jefferson, who also shone with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in TNT’s quarterfinals victory against Phoenix Super LPG last Wednesday.

RR Pogoy led the locals with 21 points while Calvin Oftana and Jayson Castro chipped in 15 and 12 markers, respectively.

KJ McDaniels led Meralco with team-highs of 12 points and 14 rebounds.

TNT will look to go for a 2-0 lead when they face again on Sunday for Game Two. Earlier, Barangay Ginebra turned back sister team San Miguel, 121-112, to secure the semis opener.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News