TNT secures top seeding

MANILA, Philippines — Displaying its own version of the never-say-die spirit, TNT rallied to a gritty 114-105 triumph over Ginebra to clinch the top seeding in the PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs last night at the PhilSports Arena.

Unwavering despite a 14-point deficit early in the fourth canto, the Tropang Giga bombarded the defending champs with a crippling 30-7 bomb heading home to steal their way to a league-best 10-1 card.

Coach Jojo Lastimosa’s troops finished the elims with eight straight victories, carrying good momentum as they head into the quarterfinals against No. 8 Phoenix (4-7).

At 8-3, the Gin Kings settled for third seed behind No. 2 San Miguel Beer, which chalked up its ninth win in 11 matches at the expense of an all-Filipino Rain or Shine, 129-116, in the other game.

TNT, SMB, Ginebra and No. 4 Meralco (7-4) enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage against their lower-ranked opponents in the quarterfinal phase that begins with tomorrow’s double-header at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

First up are the Beermen versus No. 7 Converge (6-5) and the Gin Kings against No. 6 NLEX (7-4).

The Tropang Giga go for a quick entry to the semifinals on Wednesday versus the Fuel Masters as the Bolts seek the same against No. 5 Magnolia (7-4) in their side of the draw.

In danger of losing top spot and possibly falling to third, TNT shifted to high gear in the final push with RR Pogoy and Calvin Oftana spearheading a fiery 23-point turnaround that sealed the deal for the hottest team of the tournament.

Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson showed the way for the No. 1 seeds with 34 followed by Mikey Williams (25), Pogoy (22) and Oftana (12).

Justin Brownlee headlined Ginebra with 27 and 10 boards.