PBA: TNT outlasts Converge in OT despite RHJ ejection

The TNT Tropang Giga survived the Converge FiberXers, 101-98, in overtime on Saturday in the PBA 48th Season Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Jewel Ponferada scored four of TNT's six points in the extra period to hand the Tropang Giga its first win of the conference.

TNT was leading 95-90 with less than a minute left in regulation before Jerrick Balanza sank a triple to cut Converge's deficit. Tom Vodanovich made a layup at the 00:15 mark which forced the game into overtime.

The win happened despite reinforcement Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's ejection early in the third period as officials called a disqualifying foul after it was deemed that he threw the ball to Mike Nieto's head.

RHJ's season debut was cut short as he only had 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block in 19:17 minutes of action.

Jayson Castro had 23 points, eight boards, and four assists, while Calvin Oftana had 19 points for TNT which improved to 1-1.

Vodanovich had 25 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and a block, while Balanza led the Converge locals with 18 points as they went down to 0-2.

TNT will return to PBA action on November 22 when they play the Terrafirma Dyip, while Converge will play Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Friday.

Scores:

TNT 101 – Castro 23, Oftana 19, Hollis-Jefferson 14, Ponferrada 12, Khobuntin 10, K. Williams 7, Heruel 5, Tolomia 4, Reyes 3, Galinato 2, Cruz 1, Tungcab 0.

Converge 98 – Vodanovich 25, Balanza 18, Arana 12, Racal 10, Tallo 9, Winston 8, Nieto 6, Stockton 6, Melecio 4, Fornilos 0, Wong 0, Maagdenberg 0, Santos 0.

Quarterscores: 28-22, 56-39, 74-64, 95-95, 101-98.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News