Tropang 5G crush Hotshots in quarterfinal opener

MANILA, Philippines -- One down for the TNT Tropang 5G.

TNT manhandled the Magnolia Hotshots, 92-70, in a masterclass to take Game 1 of their PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinal matchup Sunday evening at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. 

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson fueled the Tropang 5G with 26 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals. Calvin Oftana added 13 markers and 11 boards, while RR Pogoy and Rey Nambatac had 12 points apiece. 

The game was close through the second quarter, with the ballgame tied at 31-all after a KJ Buffen jumper. 

But an 11-2 run to finish the half off pushed TNT ahead, 42-33, setting the tone the rest of the way. 

From that point on, it was all Tropang 5G as they clamped down on defense while putting pressure on the offensive end. 

The lead grew to as much as 25 points, 86-61, after a Hollis-Jefferson layup. 

Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser had 11 points for TNT, which shot 44.9% from the field. 

Buffen paced Magnolia with 18 points and nine rebounds in the loss, while Zav Lucero pitched in 14 markers, 10 boards, a dime, a steal and a block. Mark Barroca added 11 markers. 

Game 2 of the series is on Wednesday, 5:15 p.m., also at the Antipolo venue.