TNT Tropang Giga routs Meralco Bolts amid injury woes

TNT Tropang Giga defeated the Meralco Bolts, 93-73, to take an early lead in Group A of the PBA Governors' Cup.

TNT's import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson spearheaded a second-half surge, contributing 25 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and three blocks.

Meralco's challenge was hampered by the injury of key player Chris Newsome, who sprained his left ankle and knee in the first quarter, and again in the third quarter.

Newsome's second injury led to a 10-0 run by TNT, enabling them to extend their lead to 17 points in the fourth quarter.

Rey Nambatac led the local scorers for TNT with 16 points, while Poy Erram added 15 points and six rebounds.

The Bolts struggled offensively, with veteran import Allen Durham managing only eight points, and the team dropped to a 1-1 record.

Meralco's injury woes were further compounded by the absence of Allein Maliksi and Raymond Almazan.

TNT outscored Meralco 60-32 in the second half, a performance coach Chot Reyes attributed to their defense.