Rondae Hollis-Jefferson bails out TNT with clutch free throws vs. Meralco

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson won it on the free throw line as TNT avoided a major collapse against Meralco, 101-99, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena.

The lefty import steadily sank two freebies after drawing a foul against Akil Mitchell with 10 seconds left, giving the Tropang Giga a two-point lead after they let slip a 23-point lead.

The win allowed TNT to hold on and secure its third win in five games while Meralco slipped to 4-3.

A 17-point explosion from Calvin Oftana in the first half saw the Tropang Giga taking a 52-35 lead at the break.

But the Bolts flipped the switch in the third period, turning to Mitchell and big man Brandon Bates as they came to within four, 66-62. Still, TNT had enough to head to the final frame enjoying a 79-68 advantage.

Meralco continued to fight back with Chris Newsome hitting a three-pointer and Bong Quinto knocking down a jumper to give the Bolts a slim 90-89 lead.

Both sides traded baskets and ended up in a 99-all deadlock with only 59 ticks to go. Mitchell then missed a potential dagger before he committed a costly foul that sent Hollis-Jefferson to the line.

Hollis-Jefferson tallied 24 points and 13 rebounds together with five assists, two steals, and two blocks while Oftana chipped in 24 markers as well with four boards and two dimes.

Mitchell paced Meralco with a double-double effort of 24 points and 18 rebounds alongside seven assists and three steals as they fell short of a comeback win.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News