PBA: TNT's Game 2 rout sends Magnolia to brink of another QF exit - GMA Network

Rondae Holllis-Jefferson starred to help TNT eke out its second straight blowout win against Magnolia, pulling off a 91-73 win in Game 2 of their PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup on Wednesday at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

The resident import carried his team once more, erupting for 39 points together with 15 rebounds, three blocks, and two steals as the defending champions Tropang 5G sent the Hotshots on brink of their seventh straight quarterfinals exit.

Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser led the local support with 11 points and three rebounds while RR Pogoy chipped in 10 markers to help TNT clinch a 2-0 lead in their best-of-five affair.

"We took the opportunities that were given us. They were backing off Rondae, they were giving him a lot of space and so he just did what great players do, they counter," TNT head coach Chot Reyes said.

"We take what the defense gives us and I thought that was the key to the third-quarter breakaway. But the most important part was just our ability to stay calm."

Hollis-Jefferson caught fire early by dropping 23 points in the first half that allowed TNT to seize a 51-42 halftime lead, but the Hotshots turned things up with KJ Buffen sinking a triple to pull his side to within two, 51-49.

But Ganuelas-Rosser and Hollis-Jefferson spoiled the Magnolia comeback, fueling a 19-4 blast that sent TNT to a massive 70-53 cushion. Of that run, Ganuelas-Rosser and Hollis-Jefferson connived for four triples as they broke away from Magnolia for good with still one quarter left.

TNT and Magnolia have a history in the playoffs with the Tropang 5G being the one to eliminate the Hotshots twice in the last three conferences.

TNT 91 – Hollis-Jefferson 39, Ganuelas-Rosser 11, Pogoy 10, Galinato 8, Oftana 6, Heading 5, Nambatac 5, Erram 3, Khobuntin 2, Jalalon 2, Castro 0, Quitevis 0, Ferrer 0, Aurin 0.Magnolia 73 – Buffen 24, Lucero 16, Lastimosa 13, Barroca 6, Sangalang 6, Alfaro 4, Andrada 3, Koon 1, Dela Rosa 0, Laput 0, Gomez de Liano 0, Gomez 0, Verano 0.Quarters: 31-22, 51-42, 73-58, 91-73.