Rondae Hollis-Jefferson made his presence felt on both ends of the floor for Meralco, which claimed its second straight win against Macau in the EASL in Cebu.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson gave typhoon-hit Cebu something to cheer about Saturday night, Nov. 15.
Hollis-Jefferson put on a spectacular performance, highlighted by emphatic throwdowns, to power Meralco’s electrifying 92-74 win over the Macau Black Bears in the East Asia Super League at the Cebu Coliseum.
The PBA three-time Best Import wound up with 34 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks as the Bolts strung back-to-back wins to even their record to 2-2.
“We understand what they’re going through. We’re just happy we can bring them some excitement,” said RHJ of the Cebuanos, who are still reeling from the devastation of Typhoon Tino.
[RELATED STORY: EASL to stage Meralco-Macau charity game in Cebu to support Typhoon Tino relief efforts]
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson poses for selfies with Cebuano fans. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
RHJ-Ismael Romero pairing shines
Backing up Hollis-Jefferson was Ismael Romero, who posted a monstrous double-double of 25 points and 28 rebounds. He also had four assists and two blocks.
They teamed up in the homestretch when the visiting team gave the Bolts a big scare, pulling to within six, 80-74, on Damian Chongqui’s booming triple.
That's when RHJ and Romero took matters into their own hands, with the former scoring seven of the team’s last 12 points for the victory.
Ismael Romero (left) and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson combine for 59 points for Meralco. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
[ALSO READ: Meralco Bolts commit Php 500K for Cebu City for Typhoon Tino recovery]
Meralco climbed to a 2-2 record, but what mattered more for RHJ was giving the ailing city hope in its most trying times.
“I hope it leaves hope. At the end of the day, some things are out of control as humans. But I hope it inspires them," said RHJ.
“I hope they keep fighting, keep supporting us. We’ll continue to support them.”
Meanwhile, Chongqui paced Macau with 25 points, built on three triples.
Jalon Miller and Omari Peek-Green added 14 points apiece for the Black Bears, who will once again tangle with Meralco on Dec. 6 in Isabela.
—
Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.