Hong Kong Eastern's Ramon Cao. PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – After absorbing a loss at the hands of Rain or Shine in its last outing, Eastern has bounced back in a big way in the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Eastern, leaning on a huge third quarter, defeated 2024 Governors' Cup champion TNT, 105-84, on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Only a tie game at the half at 47-all, the Mensur Bajramovic-coached squad made its onslaught in the third canto, outscoring the Tropang Giga, 26-16.
Ramon Cao led that third quarter rally, pouring in 12 points, supported by Cameron Clark who chipped in nine points in that frame alone.
The visitors coupled that performance in the fourth quarter, outmaneuvering Chot Reyes' wards 32-21.
Eastern's lead then ballooned to 24 points in the final canto at the 99-75 mark after Glen Yang converted on a layup.
Cao concluded the match with a 17-point total built on 5-of-11 clip, while Clark dropped 36 markers to lead all scorers and grabbed 14 rebounds, and Hayden Joel Blankey also delivered 24 points.
READ: PBA: Rain or Shine deals Eastern its first loss to enter win column
Yang, who returned to action for Eastern's PBA campaign, chipped in 19 for the Eastern offense and did his part as the chief playmaker, tallying eight assists.
The always-spectacular Rondae Hollis-Jefferson paced the conference-debuting TNT with a 33-piece, including seven rebounds.
READ: And still: TNT denies Ginebra anew, retains Governors Cup crown
Eastern looks for its second straight win against Blackwater on Tuesday, December 10, while TNT hopes to get back on its feet against NorthPort this Sunday.
The Scores:
EASTERN 105 – Clark 36, Blankely 24, Yang 19, Cao 17, Cheung 3, Lam 3, Xu 2, Zhu 1, Guinchard 0, Sulaiman 0, Chan 0
TNT 84 – Hollis-Jefferson 33, Aurin 12, Pogoy 9, Oftana 7, Exciminiano 4, Ebona 4, Erram 4, Galinato 3, Razon 2, Nambatac 2, Heruela 0, Varilla 0, Payawal 0
QUARTERS: 21-22, 47-47, 73-63, 105-84
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