Hollis-Jefferson drops triple-double as TNT takes pivotal Game 5 vs Ginebra

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson again proved why he was named Best Import, steering TNT to a pivotal Game 5 victory against Barangay Ginebra, 104-95, to move on the verge of the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup title on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Giga took a 3-2 lead and will now look to dethrone the Gin Kings come Game 6 on Sunday.

TNT saw itself staring at a 15-point deficit at the end of the first half, but the wards of coach Jojo Lastimosa were able to get back in the game as they concluded the third frame holding on to a slim 81-79 cushion.

Ginebra was dealt a major blow when resident import Justin Brownlee became unable to finish the second half due to an upset stomach caused by food poisoning.

Still, Ginebra was able to mount a rampage all thanks to Nards Pinto, who unleashed a personal 8-0 run to keep them within just one point, 94-93, with 4:26 left to play.

But Hollis-Jefferson came up big for the Tropang Giga, getting a defensive stop before completing a fastbreak layup for a 100-95 lead as Poy Erram cleaned up a miss from the American reinforcement to put the finishing kick, 104-95.

Hollis-Jefferson tallied a triple-double outing of 32 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists to go along with two steals and one block while Calvin Oftana chipped in 20 markers and eight boards.

Christian Standhardinger carried the load for Ginebra as he churned out with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists while Brownlee finished with 14 markers, four rebounds, one steal, and a block.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News