STA ROSA, Laguna - TNT banked on the Hollis-Jefferson brothers to finally breakthrough in the EASL Home and Away season on Wednesday.
Rondae and Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson combined for more than half of the Tropang Giga's 80-69 win over the visiting Taipei Fubon Braves at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.
Rondae exploded for a game-high 35 points and 11 rebounds, while older brother Rahlir debuted for 22 and nine boards for TNT, which finally snapped out of a four-game skid to improve at 1-4.
Unfortunately, the all-important win was dampened by the back injury Rondae suffered in the final 2:45 of the match.
"Good that we got the win, but right now the concern is Rondae and his well-being," said deputy coach Josh Reyes of TNT's prized import.
Sponsored content: Calvin Oftana led all TNT locals with 15 points, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc in helping the team stay alive for a semis berth in Group A.
Back-to-back treys by Oftana and Glenn Khobuntin early in the fourth gave TNT a sizeable 70-58 lead from which the Fubon Braves never recovered.
Anthony Johnson finished with 19 points and 20 rebounds, while Fil-Am and PBA rookie potential Sedrick Barefield added 15 for Taipei which fell to a 1-3 record.
The scores:
TNT (80) - Rondae Hollis-Jefferson 35, Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson 22, Oftana 15, Khobuntin 6, Tolomia 2, Heruela 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Aurin 0, Galinato 0, Ponferrada 0, Cruz 0.
Sponsored content: Taipei Fubon Braves (69) - Johnson 19, Barefield 15, Zaytsev 10, Fan 9, Chou 5, Guinchard 3, Hung 3, Smart 3, Jian 2, Wu 0, Tseng 0.
Quarterscores: 17-21; 48-42; 62-58; 80-69.
