MANILA, Philippines — TNT wasted no time dismantling Macau, 142-87, to continue its ascent in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson marked his first game back since tearing his Achilles last December as he finished with 22 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Calvin Oftana led the Tropang 5G with 28 points, spiked by five threes, while veteran big man Poy Erram also came back from a long layoff to contribute 15 and eight rebounds.
Cat-quick guard Jio Jalalon registered a triple-double of 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in 22 minutes.
TNT moved up to 7-4 as the defending champion now enjoys a loaded roster, since starting the conference with several key players out due to various injuries.
NLEX leads Group A with its 8-2 record, followed by San Miguel Beer (7-3).
“Ever since, our plan was to bring him in before the playoffs,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes after the game. “We found an opportunity to ease him in slowly.” The Giant Pandas, who got beaten black and blue by the Rosd Warriors with their record-setting 60-point win, dropped to 2-9 in Group A.
Oscar Looe led Macau with 43 points.
