Just when it seemed like the TNT Tropang Giga were on the verge of collapsing, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Jayson Castro stepped up to save the day.

TNT faced a challenging night against the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, with Hollis-Jefferson, Castro, Calvin Oftana, and Poy Erram all leaving the game at various points due to injuries. The odds appeared heavily stacked against the Tropang Giga, but their seasoned veterans stepped up to the occasion when it mattered the most.

Despite their struggles, the Tropang Giga pulled off an 88-80 victory over the Hotshots, improving their record to 3-1 and claiming sole possession of first place in Group A in the PBA Governor’s Cup.

With just over three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, TNT trailed Magnolia by two points, 80-78. At that moment, the Tropang Giga had only managed six points in the quarter, and it seemed like their injuries were taking a toll on them. However, Hollis-Jefferson refused to back down and nailed a three-pointer off a hand-off from Erram, giving TNT the lead back at 81-80 with 3:08 left on the clock.

That proved to be the decisive turning point of the night.

After a defensive stop on the other end, Castro turned back the clock, driving to the basket with a burst of speed for a lay-up. On the next possession, Castro attacked the rim again, but this time he was met by a double team. This left Erram wide open at the three-point line, and Castro quickly found him for what would be the game-deciding shot as this three-pointer extended TNT’s lead to six, 86-80, with 1:49 remaining in the game.

Magnolia’s import, Glenn Robinson III, seemed rattled by TNT’s gutsy run and began to falter under pressure. Robinson’s fadeaway jumper on the next possession was blocked by Erram and moments later, he lost the ball in the backcourt to Hollis-Jefferson, who completed the play with a dunk to give TNT an eight-point lead, 88-80, with just 31 seconds left.

The Tropang Giga closed out the contest with a 10-2 run, overcoming the absence of several key players and injuries to most of those who remained on the floor. Hollis-Jefferson led the team with 32 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals, while Rey Nambatac and RR Pogoy added 15 and 12 points, respectively. Castro and Erram combined for just 10 points, but their crucial baskets could not have come at a better time for TNT.

The Tropang Giga may not be the most talented in the PBA, but they consistently demonstrate that their collective veteran experience gives them enough of an edge to compete night in and night out. The presence of a player as talented as Hollis-Jefferson is undoubtedly a significant boost as well, and it would not be surprising if this team makes a deep postseason run in this Governor’s Cup.