Calvin Oftana posts career-high 42 as TNT fends off Magnolia

Calvin Oftana registered a career-high 42 points to lead TNT past Magnolia, 103-100, in the PBA Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Oftana waxed hot as he drilled nine triples en route to his career game.

A triple from Oftana put TNT, 102-90, with 1:22 remaining in the fourth period. Magnolia, however, almost stole the game as it made a 7-0 run late in the game. With time on their side, TNT, however, managed to fend off the Hotshots as a freebie from import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson off a Joseph Eriobu foul sealed the deal despite Mark Barroca connecting for a late triple.

Aside from Oftana, RHJ had 41 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, four steals, and one block for the Tropang Giga. The two of them were the only double-digit scorers for TNT as the others combined for the remaining 20 points of their total output. 

This is TNT's first win in the Commissioner's Cup after back-to-back losses against Eastern and NorthPort.

Ricardo Ratliffe had 27 points, while Barroca led the locals with 18 as Magnolia was dealt its third straight loss and slipped to 1-3.

Scores:

TNT 103 – Oftana 42, Hollis-Jefferson 41, Pogoy 6, Erram 6, Heruela 4, Nambatac 4, Razon 0, Galinato 0, Khobuntin 0, Varilla 0, Aurin 0.

Magnolia 100 – Ratliff 27, Barroca 18, Abueva 18, Lastimosa 18, Sangalang 9, Eriobu 5, Dionisio 3, Mendoza 2, Dela Rosa 0, Ahanmisi 0, Balanza 0.

Quarters: 33-25, 52-48, 83-69, 103-100.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News