By REYNALD MAGALLON
Rondae and Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson provided a deadly one-two punch as TNT ended its futility in the East Asia Super League with an 80-69 victory before its home fans at the Sta.Rosa Sports Complex on Wednesday, Dec. 20.
The brothers took turns in carrying the cudgels for the Tropang Giga who finally won their first game in the regional home-and-away after dropping their first four games.
The younger of the Hollis-Jeffersons, Rondae, as usual led the charge for TNT with 35 points, 11 rebounds and five assists while Rahlir delivered 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals.
The Tropang Giga, spearheaded by the two imports, unleashed a pivotal 13-2 run bridging the final two quarters to create the much-needed separation for TNT and pump some life to their flickering playoff hopes.
TNT was actually up by only one, 57-56, before the run built a double-digit spread, 70-58, capped by a booming Calvin Oftana triple.
Oftana was the only other double-digit scorer for TNT with 15 points to go along with his nine rebounds and two steals.
Coming away with a 107-96 decision in their first meeting, the Braves hardly looked like a shadow of their past selves in the absence of Mike Singletary. Chris Johnson, who exploded for 29 points in their first game, was limited to just 19 this time around.
Filipino-American and Taipei Fubon heritage import Cedrick Barefueld finished with 15 in a losing effort.
