TNT beats Magnolia 98-87 to reach PBA Governors' Cup semi-finals
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson scored 38 points as the defending champions advanced to face either Barangay Ginebra or San Miguel.
TNT secured a PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup semi-final berth with a 98-87 victory over Magnolia at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on October 31, completing a quarter-final sweep. The defeat left Magnolia with a seventh consecutive exit at the quarter-final stage.
The defending champions took control after half-time, extending a 50-41 advantage to 79-56 by the end of the third quarter. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson contributed 10 points in that period and finished with 38 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Rey Nambatac added 13 points, five rebounds and five assists. RR Pogoy scored 12 points and Calvin Oftana had 10. TNT made 51.3 per cent of its field-goal attempts, while Magnolia shot 39.7 per cent and committed 14 turnovers.
A late third-quarter layup by Nambatac pushed TNT's lead to 26 points at 79-53. Magnolia later narrowed the gap to 94-81 through a long three-pointer from Gab Gomez, but baskets from Hollis-Jefferson and Pogoy checked the comeback.
Buffen led Magnolia's scoring with 31 points. TNT's next opponent will be either Barangay Ginebra or San Miguel.
