RHJ provides firepower for TNT

MANILA, Philippines — Rondae Hollis-Jefferson churned in a near triple-double to spearhead TNT past Blackwater, 105-96, for its fourth win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Hollis-Jefferson put his stamp in the game with 42 big points, 12 rebounds and eight assists as he keyed the Tropang Giga’s follow-up to their 113-94 victory over NLEX two nights before and a boosted 4-3 record overall.

Jojo Lastimosa’s troops also extended the skid of the Bossing (1-7) to a seventh straight match, putting their prey on the brink of elimination.

Hollis-Jefferson anchored TNT’s telling 33-17 blast in the third quarter, where he dropped 13 while setting up his teammates five times.  

The Jordanian naturalized player got sufficient support from the locals, led by Jayson Castro, who delivered 18 with five assists in his return from a one-game sit out due to a strained hip.

Calvin Oftana posted 14 and 8 while Glenn Khobuntin and Kib Montalbo contributed 10 apiece.

“We talked a lot about guys being ready, locked-in, and able to put the ball to the basket and they came today ready to do that and they’re focused,” said Hollis-Jefferson.

“Last game, it was Calvin who had a hot game; this game, it was evenly shared by everybody. If that’s what it takes to win, I’m sure the guys are ready, willing and able to do it.”

Hollis-Jefferson delivered his fiery performance with brother Rahlir watching on the sidelines. Rahlir recently joined TNT as Rondae’s new import partner in its East Asia Super League campaign.

“I’m showing him (Rahlir) what he has to do when he comes here – be aggressive, be a team player, play really good defense and be a good leader,” Rondae said of his sibling, who is expected to make his TNT debut on Wednesday in an EASL home game against Taipei Fubon Braves in Sta Rosa, Laguna.

“This is what we need. I told him I’m going to continue doing this but it’s going to be beneficial if he comes in and does the same thing.”

TNT’s stifling defense fuelled its breakaway against Blackwater coming off a tight first half. In the third, the Tropang Giga held the Bossing to only three conversions out of 15 attempts. Blackwater scored 11 from the stripe.