STA. ROSA – TNT played minus Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and fell in its bid to get even against Chiba Jets, 75-66, in the first EASL Home and Away game in the country on All Saints Day.
The Tropang Giga fell behind by as many as 20 points after a flat start, but gave the Jets a good fight in the second half when they closed within 61-56 late in the third period.
But a series of turnovers by the reigning PBA Governors’ Cup champion allowed the Jets to keep in command of the game at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex en route to the win.
In all, the Tropang Giga committed 21 turnovers while the Jets only had 12.
“I think the 21 turnovers there, even if Rondae was there, he won’t be able to cover for that,” admitted TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa.
Hollis-Jefferson, 28, watched the game on the sidelines after suffering gastroenteritis just days before the second meeting this season between the two teams.
“Rondae has been sick for a while now, and he has been hospitalized. He has gastroenteritis,” said Lastimosa in the post-game presser.
In Hollis-Jefferson‘s absence, import partner Quincy Miller took the cudgels for the Tropang Giga with 22 points and 13 rebounds.
He had 14 points in the third quarter to lead a mini-rally by TNT.
Yet, the effort was still not enough to avenge the team’s 93-75 loss to the Jets last Oct. 11 in Japan as TNT fell to a 0-2 record in Group A.
“We’re in trouble,” said Lastimosa of TNT’s chance of advancing in the semifinals.
Import John Mooney came through with 30 points and 16 rebounds for Chiba which remains unbeaten with a 3-0 card in the same group. (RG)
The scores
Chiba (75) – Mooney 30, Stephens 15, Togashi 14, Ogawa 7, Hara 5, Okura 4, Brown 0, Kanechika 0, Kaishu 0, Arao 0.
TNT (66) – Miller 22, Tungcab 10, Castro 8, Oftana 8, K Williams 7, Ponferada 3, Cruz 3, Khobuntin 3, Reyes 2, Montalbo 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0.
