RHJ tows TNT past Barangay Ginebra to draw first blood in PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson dropped 34 points to tow TNT past Barangay Ginebra, 95-89, in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The TNT import already registered 23 points by halftime before capping off the night with free throws to seal the Tropang Giga victory.

Just after the second half opened, TNT had its biggest lead, 57-39, after a layup from RHJ. By the end of the third frame, the Tropang Giga looked like they would cruise easily to the victory as they led 80-66, but Barangay Ginebra had other plans.

With less than two minutes remaining, TNT was leading 93-81 but Justin Brownlee's free throws and basket from his personal run put Ginebra within eight. RJ Abarrientos then drilled a four-pointer, but it was already late for Barangay Ginebra.

For TNT head coach Chot Reyes, composure and defense were keys for TNT.

"We talked about it at halftime and we said for sure, Ginebra will make a run and we just reminded the players to stay calm, to expect it. That team is too good, too strong, too deep for us to have that kind of lead all throughout," Reyes said.

"They made a big run, but we came back because the players kept their composure, and I think that's the most important thing. And then the rest was just our defense forcing them to take difficult shots. So I think that was the story of the second half."

Aside from his game-high output, RHJ also had 13 rebounds, eight assists, a steal, and a block.

"I was just being aggressive, being aggressive. My deep shot wasn't falling, but I'm always able to get to the rim. I'm a really good pull-up jump shooter, so I was able to find other ways, you know, to put the ball in the basket," Hollis-Jefferson said.

"And at the end of the day, you know, we got to be able to put the ball in the basket to win the game. So I was able to do that. And then the second half, my guys stepped up, you know, made some big shots, even Roger in the beginning, you know, making tough shots. You got to give credit to those guys."

Roger Pogoy had 15 points, while Calvin Oftana and Rey Nambatac had 10 points apiece.

Brownlee, meanwhile, had 28 points, 15 rebounds, and six rebounds, while Scottie Thompson had 17 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists.

Game 2 of the finals will be held on Sunday.

Scores:

TNT 95 – Hollis-Jefferson 34, Pogoy 15, Oftana 10, Nambatac 10, Williams 8, Khobuntin 8, Erram 5, Aurin 5, Heruela 0, Razon 0.

Barangay Ginebra 89 – Brownlee 28, Thompson 17, Abarrientos 13, Holt 9, J.Aguilar 9, Rosario 8, Gray 3, Malonzo 2, Ahanmisi 0.

Quarters: 29-18, 55-39, 80-66, 95-89.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News