TNT routs Ginebra, moves a win away from PBA Governors' Cup crown

TNT dominated Barangay Ginebra, 99-72, to move a win away from another PBA Governors' Cup crown.

The Tropang Giga took the series lead, 3-2, in Game 5 of the best-of-seven finals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After leading 26-20 at the end of the first quarter, TNT limited Ginebra to 13 points against their 30-point romp to end the first half at 56-33. 

The Tropang Giga continued to pound in the second half and had their biggest lead at 36, 84-48, after a 4-pointer from RR Pogoy at the 10:13 mark of the fourth period before cruising to the victory.

TNT head coach Chot Reyes said keeping their calm was the key for the Tropang Giga rebound.

"I think that was the most important thing, for us not to panic and keep our heads around us so we could make good decisions. I think that's number one. Number two was just our focus on our strength which was our strength the whole tournament long which was our defense," Reyes said.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had 16 points, 10 boards, three assists, and a block, while Pogoy also had 16 points for TNT, while Calvin Oftana had 15 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. 

Scottie Thompson and LA Tenorio had 13 points apiece for Ginebra, while Stephen Holt added 10 points.

Game 6 of the Finals will be played on Friday.

Scores:

TNT 99 – Hollis-Jefferson 16, Pogoy 16, Oftana 15, Williams 11, Castro 10, Nambatac 7, Erram 7, Exciminiano 6, Khobuntin 4, Heruela 3, Aurin 2, Galinato 2, Payawal 0, Ebona 0, Varilla 0.

Ginebra 72 – Thompson 13, Tenorio 13, Holt 10, Brownlee 8, Abarrientos 7, J.Aguilar 6, Cu 5, R. Aguilar 5, Pessumal 4, Ahanmisi 1, Pinto 0, Adamos 0.

Quarters : 26-20, 56-33, 79-48, 99-72.

 —JKC, GMA Integrated News