Defending champion TNT Tropang Giga got off to a rousing start in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup as they nipped the NorthPort Batang Pier, 101-95, on Tuesday night, August 20, at the Araneta Coliseum.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was in his usual productive self, powering TNT with 32 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, four steals and four blocks. Calvin Oftana backed Hollis-Jefferson with 15 points and became the first player in the league to make two four-point shots.

The PBA has instituted a four-point shot this year with Meralco’s Chris Banchero owning the distinction of being the first player to make a basket from 27 feet in the Bolts’ 99-94 over the Magnolia Hotshots on Sunday.

Rey Nambatac had a solid debut for the Tropa, cashing in 13 points while hitting two free throws late in the game that sealed TNT’s win. The Tropa played without RR Pogoy, Henry Galinato, Kelly Williams, Brandon Rosser and Ryan Reyes due to injuries.

NorthPort import Taylor Johns tallied 36 points, 16 rebounds, and nine assists (36-16-9). Arvin Tolentino was the lone NorthPort player to score in double figures with 23.

THE SCORES:

TNT (101) - Hollis-Jefferson 32, Oftana 15, Nambatac 13, Khobuntin 12, Heruela 9, Erram 8, Castro 7, Exciminiano 3, Aurin 2, Ebona 0, Payawal 0, Vosotros 0.

NORTHPORT (95) - Johns 36, Tolentino 23, Cuntapay 8, Munzon 7, Jalalon 6, Bulanadi 6, Navarro 4, Nelle 3, Flores 2, Tratter 0, Yu 0, Amores.

QUARTERS: 22-23, 50-48, 76-69, 101-95.(CCM)

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• #TNT Tropang Giga
• #PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup
• #NorthPort Batang Pier
• #Basketball
• #Philippine Sports