TNT Tropang Giga opened the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals in style, overpowering Barangay Ginebra with a commanding 104-88 victory in Game 1 at the packed Ynares Center. From the tip-off, TNT set the tone, quickly building a 19-4 lead and maintaining control throughout, as they executed a flawless game plan that left Ginebra scrambling to keep up in the best-of-seven series.
The next showdown, Game 2, is scheduled for Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
TNT’s win was anchored by strong performances from Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Poy Erram, and Jayson Castro, coupled with a stifling defense that held Ginebra 18 points below their season average. Despite their reputation as the league’s top three-point shooting team, the Gin Kings struggled to find their range, going a shocking 0-for-18 from beyond the arc over the first three quarters—much to the disappointment of the record-breaking crowd at Antipolo.
Throughout the game, TNT’s relentless defensive pressure confined Ginebra to just 2-for-21 from deep, forcing the Kings to their lowest scoring output of the playoffs. The Tropang Giga’s lead ballooned to as much as 20 points, with the team up by a comfortable 89-69 margin at one point.
Hollis-Jefferson may have posted his lowest scoring game of the playoffs with 19 points, but he made his presence felt all over the court, adding 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal, and three blocks.
Rey Nambatac made an impressive Finals debut, delivering 18 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, including a clutch 12 points in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory for TNT.
Erram contributed a solid 15 points, while Castro turned back the clock with a spectacular third quarter, scoring 12 of his 14 points, primarily against Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos, allowing TNT to enter the final period with a 72-62 lead.
Despite a valiant effort, Ginebra’s star Justin Brownlee struggled with his shot, finishing with 23 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, but shooting just 1-of-5 from three-point range. Japeth Aguilar added 14 points and six rebounds, while Ralph Cu contributed 13 points, five rebounds, and six assists for the Gin Kings.
TNT’s statement win has set the stage for a thrilling Finals series as both teams gear up for Game 2.
The scores:
TNT 102 – Hollis-Jefferson 19, Nambatac 18, Erram 15, Castro 14, Pogoy 12, Oftana 9, Aurin 8, Khobuntin 5, Williams 2, Heruela 2, Galinato 0, Payawal 0.
Brgy. Ginebra 88 – Brownlee 23, J. Aguilar 14, Cu 13, Holt 12, Ahanmisi 10, Thompson 7, Abarrientos 5, Pinto 2, Tenorio 2, Mariano 0, Pessumal 0, Adamos 0.
Quarterscores: 27-15, 43-22, 72-62, 104-88.
