TNT dominates Barangay Ginebra to draw first blood in PBA Finals

TNT dominated Barangay Ginebra, 104-88, to draw first blood in the PBA Governors' Cup best-of-seven finals on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Tropang Giga relied on a strong start as it led 27-15 in the first quarter before they took a 43-37 lead at the half.

TNT led by as much as 20 points, 89-69, with 7:31 remaining in the fourth period with Rey Nambatac scoring 10 points in the first four minutes of the said frame to tow the Tropang Giga to victory.

"There's no secret to our game. It's really our defense. I thought our defense really won us the game tonight," TNT head coach Chot Reyes said.

In his first PBA finals appearance, Rey Nambatac proved to be crucial for TNT with 18 points, 10 rebounds, seven assits, and two steals in Game 1.

"Ang dami kong nararamdaman kanina pagpasok pa lang ng arena. To be honest, sobrang kinabahan talaga ako, lalo na nung nag-opening na, kinilabutan ako. Parang nanghihina ang katawan ko, good thing na-overcome ko 'yun. Nung first half, medyo nandoon pa ang gigil ko. Hindi ko pa mahanap ang rhythm ko. Good thing nung second half, unti-unti ko nang nakuha, nagtuloy-tuloy na," said Nambatac.

TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had 19 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and a steal, while Poy Erram added 15 points to give the Tropang Giga a 1-0 series lead.

Justine Brownlee had 23 points, while Japeth Aguilar had 14 points for Barangay Ginebra.

Scores:

TNT 104 – Hollis-Jefferson 19, Nambatac 18, Erram 15, Castro 14, Pogoy 12, Oftana 9, Aurin 8, Khobuntin 5, Williams 2, Heruela 2, Payawal 0, Galinato 0.

Barangay Ginebra 88 – Brownlee 23, J.Aguilar 14, Cu 13, Holt 12, Ahanmisi 10, Thompson 7, Abarrientos 5, Pinto 2, Tenorio 2, Pessumal 0, Mariano 0, Adamos 0.

Quarters : 27-15, 43-37, 72-62, 104-88.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News