TNT overcomes 22-point deficit, spoils Bolick’s NLEX debut

TNT erased an early huge deficit to turn back NLEX, 113-97, and snap out of a two-game slump in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena.

The Tropang Giga once stared at a 22-point deficit before they unleashed a strong third quarter that saw the wards of Jojo Lastimosa outscore the Road Warriors, 41 to 20, with Calvin Oftana dropping 19 of his overall output to take an 80-78 lead.

TNT even widened the gap to as much as 18 en route to the win that ended back-to-back losses to NorthPort and Meralco.

Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the way anew, dropping a double-double of 33 points and 15 rebounds alongside six assists, two steals, and two blocks while Oftana led the locals with 29 markers, eight boards, four dimes, and one swat.

The loss spoiled the debut of Robert Bolick who was recently traded to NLEX from NorthPort. He finished with nine points and four assists while Robert Herndon paced them with 25 markers, nine rebounds, and five assists.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News