RHJ, Tropa close in on semis

ANTIPOLO, Philippines – It’s the playoffs and this is where TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson thrives.

Hollis-Jefferson used Game 2 of the quarterfinal series against Magnolia as platform for his most brilliant performance of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup  so far  – 39 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks, two assists, two steals with just a solitary turnover and an efficiency rating of 39.

And with the prolific RHJ as the offensive and defensive anchor, the Tropang 5G roared to a dominant 91-73 victory for a commanding 2-0 upperhand in the race-to-three tiff last night at Ynares Center-Antipolo.

After taking the opener last Sunday, 92-70, the defending champions put themselves in position to finish off the Hotshots on Saturday and sweep their way into the best-of-five semis.

“It’s a collective effort,” said RHJ, who was backed up by Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser’s 11 as RR Pogoy (10) and Calvin Oftana (6-8) served bigger defensive duties against Magnolia reinforcement KJ Buffen.

The three-time champion and Best Import awardee, who played in only his fourth game since returning from a 10-month injury layoff, said he and the locals are on the same page.

“I always tell the guys we’re not preparing just for the next game, we’re preparing like this is Game 7 of the finals. We want to be ready everytime we step on the floor,” said Hollis-Jefferson.

Coach Chot Reyes credited TNT’s stifling defense against the usually high-scoring Hotshots for getting the job done so far.

“One word was on our board – Better. We wanted to make sure we come out with better effort, better defense, better everything than Game 1. While they scored more (73 from 70), we’re able to hold them to a lower field goal (33.8 percent from 37.8 in the opener),” he said.

Later, NLEX, led by Robert Bolick and Schonny Winston’s double 31-pointers, dispatched Phoenix in Game 2, 124-117, to close in on the Final 4.

The Road Warriors unleashed a 31-23 closing barrage en route to the clutch follow-up to their 97-92 Game 1 win.But after a timely reminder from Reyes, RHJ and Co. countered with a 21-4 assault to restore their big margin.

“Most important part was our ability to remain calm in that situation,” said Reyes.