Philippine National Volleyball Federation to host AVC Beach Tour
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TNT edges Ginebra in a thrilling Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead
The TNT Tropang Giga once again relied on their scoring prowess to secure a narrow 87-85 victory against Barangay Ginebra in Game 2 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals to get the 2-1 series lead on Wednesday, March 19, at the Philsports Arena.
Rey Nambatac played his best game as a pro as he finished with 24 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the three-point area. He also had seven assists and five rebounds.
The Letran product also led TNT in their comeback from a nine-point deficit in the first half of play. Then, “Sting-Rey” sank a crucial three-pointer in the closing moments of the game to break the 82-deadlock.
Tropang Giga’s import, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson flirted with a triple double, tallying 20 markers, 11 boards and eight dimes, including his last dish to the wide open Glenn Khobuntin, who made his fastbreak layup to get his 10th point and put the game almost out of reach.
Calvin Oftana also ended up in double figures, scoring 16 markers, on top of his five rebounds and four assists.
Photo Courtesy: PBA
"I told the players we're going to see the best of Ginebra even without Justin. We have to be at our best. I reminded them how strong and deep that team is. And when they went up by three, we didn't panic and that's the turning point," said TNT coach Chot Reyes.
However, the Gin Kings once again displayed their ‘Never-Say-Die’ attitude, battling until the final buzzer despite losing Justin Brownlee at the 6:42 mark of the third period due to a suspected dislocated right thumb.
"I told the players we're going to see the best of Ginebra even without Justin. We have to be at our best. I reminded them how strong and deep that team is. And when they went up by three, we didn't panic and that's the turning point," said TNT coach Chot Reyes.
Brownlee never returned to the game after suffering the injury, leaving the game with a team-high 19 points, six assists, four rebounds, and a block.
Scottie Thompson took over when JB was brought out of the game. He even made the final triple of the game to trim down the Tropang Giga lead to two in the end.
Thompson finished with 15 markers, eight boards, five dimes, two steals and one block in almost 40 minutes of playing time.
RJ Abarrientos played a key role in Ginebra’s late-game rally, finishing with 13 points, including a step-back three-pointer and a floater off his own rebound to keep Ginebra afloat.
However, he was eventually stifled by TNT’s defense, led by Hollis-Jefferson and veteran Kelly Williams.
Troy Rosario and Jamie Malonzo also scored in double figures, finishing with 13 and 11 points, respectively.
On Friday, March 22, Ginebra will look to bounce back from the loss, though Brownlee’s availability remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the Tropang Giga will aim for a commanding 3-1 series lead at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Scores:
TNT 87 - Nambatac 24, Hollis-Jefferson 20, Oftana 16, Khobuntin 10, Pogoy 8, Erram 5, Aurin 4, Williams 0, Heruela 0.
GINEBRA 85 - Brownlee 19, Thompson 15, Rosario 13, Abarrientos 13, Malonzo 11, J.Aguilar 6, Holt 5, Ahanmisi 3.
Quarter Scores: 17-17, 42-48, 72-66, 87-85.
