Barangay Ginebra is now one victory away from capturing the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup championship after a gritty 73-66 win over TNT Tropang Giga in Game 5 on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Down by one with just over four minutes left, Scottie Thompson nailed a go-ahead jumper to give the Gin Kings a 67-66 lead, while import Justin Brownlee added key baskets to extend the margin and secure a pivotal 3-2 series edge.
TNT failed to score after Rey Nambatac’s free throws at the 4:25 mark, missing multiple chances to cut into the lead in the final minute.
“Just truly inspired in today’s match. We all know it’s a grind game, possession by possession,” said Thompson. “We just don’t want to quit every game,” he added, echoing the team’s “never say die” spirit.
Ginebra trailed by 10 at halftime, 45-35, but turned the tide in the third quarter with a 22-11 run. Brownlee led the Gin Kings with 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Thompson tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds. Japeth Aguilar and Maverick Ahanmisi contributed 11 points each.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Rey Nambatac both scored 19 for TNT, though Hollis-Jefferson struggled from the field, making just 7 of 26 shots.
Ginebra will have the chance to clinch the title in Game 6 on Wednesday, March 26, at the same venue in Quezon City.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 73 – Brownlee 18, Thompson 16, J. Aguilar 11, Ahanmisi 11, Rosario 6, Malonzo 6, Holt 3, Abarrientos 2, Tenorio 0
TNT 66 – Hollis-Jefferson 19, Nambatac 19, Oftana 8, Pogoy 8, Aurin 8, Erram 4, Heruela 0, Williams 0, Exciminiano 0, Khobuntin 0
Quarters: 17-24, 35-45, 57-56, 73-66
