TNT seals quarterfinal berth with 142-87 win over Macau
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson scored 22 points on his return from an Achilles injury, while Calvin Oftana led TNT with 28.
TNT advanced to the quarterfinals of the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup after defeating Macau 142-87 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The victory took TNT's record to 7-4 and marked Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's first appearance since tearing his Achilles in December.
Calvin Oftana contributed 28 points alongside five rebounds. Hollis-Jefferson's 22-point performance also included five assists, two steals and six rebounds.
TNT led 28-21 after one quarter before five three-pointers shared by RR Pogoy, Kim Aurin, Paul Varilla and Jeo Ambohot helped stretch the score to 46-27. A Jordan Heading three-pointer and three successive baskets from Hollis-Jefferson pushed the advantage to 62-30.
The third quarter brought another 38 points for TNT, compared with Macau's 18. TNT entered the final period ahead 102-58 before completing the 55-point victory.
Head coach Chot Reyes said TNT had intended to bring Hollis-Jefferson back for the playoffs but found an opportunity for a gradual return. The player's grandmother died, requiring him to go home and postponing his return by one week, Reyes said.
Macau slipped to 2-9 and has one elimination-round fixture remaining. Oscar Lopez recorded 43 points plus 10 rebounds for the guest team, with Kobey Lam contributing 13 points.
