MANILA, Philippines – At the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday night, TNT extended its winning streak and sent NLEX into a prolonged slump with a 94-87 victory in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup matchup.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and his teammates won a duel of runs with a decisive surge from a 63-67 deficit at the beginning of the final period, leading to their fifth consecutive victory.

NLEX joined Magnolia (103-101), Blackwater (109-93), Meralco (101-99), and Converge (98-96) as casualties. The Tropang Giga’s victory in the season-opening Governors Cup put them in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs again.

After suffering its fifth consecutive loss, NLEX, on the other hand, fell further down the ladder at 3-6.

Additionally, coach Jong Uichico and his team are now facing Phoenix Super LPG, Rain or Shine, and Hong Kong Eastern in three straight games that they must win.

It’s a solid victory for the Tropang Giga, keeping them in the lead going into Friday’s matchup with Barangay Ginebra at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

In a valiant battle against Best Import race leader Michael Watkins, who recorded another incredible performance with 33 points and 20 rebounds, RHJ persevered despite struggling from the field and even from the stripe, finishing with 23 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks, and one steal.

The clutch goals from Calvin Oftana and RR Pogoy greatly aided TNT. Pogoy contributed 14 points, and Oftana finished with 18.

Chot Reyes, the head coach of TNT, admitted that the club did not anticipate an easy game. He understood that NLEX, a team that was adamant about surviving the competition, presented a serious threat. Reyes stressed that the squad knew the stakes were high for their opponents and had thoroughly prepared for the match’s intensity and difficulty.

The team’s practical and goal-oriented attitude to the game was reflected in the coach’s statement. TNT knew going into the match that NLEX was determined to take a significant win, therefore planning and strategy were key elements of their strategy. Recognizing the intense drive and spirit of competition NLEX brought to the court, TNT’s acceptance of the challenge also demonstrated their regard for their rivals.

Reyes’s viewpoint showed that he understood the value of both tactical and mental preparedness when dealing with a squad under duress. His evaluation emphasized the value of adaptability and resilience when facing opponents who are trying to maintain their position. This attitude demonstrated TNT’s readiness and dedication to sustaining excellent performance despite significant obstacles. The game demonstrated the level of work needed to achieve at this level and perfectly captured the league’s fierce and intense atmosphere.

The Tropang Giga displayed resilience and determination as they overcame a fierce challenge from the Road Warriors, ultimately securing victory with a decisive 31–20 run in the final quarter. Despite facing a tough battle for most of the game, TNT found a way to prevail when it mattered most.

In the first half, the Tropang Giga struggled offensively, managing a disappointing 34.8 percent shooting clip compared to the Road Warriors’ slightly better 39 percent. This early difficulty left TNT playing catch-up for much of the game. Adding to their challenges, the Road Warriors took the lead in the third quarter, thanks to a remarkable 16-point explosion from Watkins, who provided a crucial spark for his team.

Despite these setbacks, TNT refused to back down. Their ability to regroup and maintain focus allowed them to mount a decisive rally in the fourth quarter. Key adjustments and contributions from players across the roster enabled them to outscore the Road Warriors by a significant margin in the final period, turning the tide in their favor.

The victory highlighted TNT’s grit and perseverance, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure and deliver when it counted. Their strong finish served as a testament to their competitive spirit and team cohesion.

Scores at the end of the match

TNT with 94 points for the win

Individual scores: Hollis-Jefferson 23, Pogoy 18, Oftana 14, Erram 8, Aurin 8, Castro 6, Razon 6, Nambatac 5, Galinato 2, K.Williams 2, Khobuntin 2, Heruela 0

NLEX with 87 points

Individual scores: Watkins 33, Alas 16, Torres 7, Policarpio 6, Mocon 6, Herndon 6, Bolick 4, Valdez 4, Rodger 3, Ramirez 2, Fajardo 0, Nieto 0

Scores per quarter

24-19, 39-39, 67-63, 94-87