TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson goes for a dunk against Meralco in Game 3 of their 2023 PBA Governors' Cup semifinals series. PBA Images.
MANILA (UPDATED) -- Talk 'N Talk rode a strong start in the first half en route to a lopsided 99-80 win over Meralco in Game 3 of their PBA Governors' Cup best-of-five semis series on Wednesday.
With the win, the Tropang GIGA is now a victory away from arranging a title showdown with early finalist Barangay Ginebra.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson erupted for 40 points on top of his 13 rebounds and two assists, while Mikey Williams added 29 markers.
TNT banked on defense this time, limiting Meralco's fastbreak points to six compared to to 21 in Game 2, where the Bolts won in overtime.
“What happened in the second game is we threw away all our defense,” admitted TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa.
“We gave up so many drives to the basket and as you can see tonight it was more of a defensive game and we didn't even hit 100 points.”
Lastimosa said he hopes the Tropang GIGA will do the same when they meet Meralco again in Game 4 on Friday.
KJ McDaniels scored 30 points for Meralco, which also got 12 from Chris Newsome.
The Scores:
TNT 99 – Hollis-Jefferson 40, M.Williams 29, Pogoy 7, Castro 7, Oftana 4, Erram 4, Khobuntin 3, Montalbo 3, Chua 2, Varilla 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0
MERALCO 80 – McDaniels 30, Newsome 12, Black 11, Hodge 11, Maliksi 4, Almazan 3, Caram 3, Pasaol 3, Jose 2, Quinto 1, Banchero 0, Pascual 0
QUARTERS: 30-15, 56-30, 75-59, 99-80
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