TNT guns for 3-1 lead, Ginebra eyes equalizer

CEBU, Philippines — The TNT Tropang Giga shoot for a commanding 3-1 lead as they take on the Barangay Ginebra Kings in Game 4 of the best-of-seven PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals today (Friday, March 21) at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Rey Nambatac delivered what is by far his greatest performance as a pro while Rondae Hollis-Jefferson nearly posted a triple-double as the Tropang Giga scraped through a 87-85 Game 3 victory over the gritty Kings last Wednesday, March 19, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City to take a 2-1 series advantage.

Nambatac fired a team-high 24 points on a spectacular 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc and added five rebounds and seven assists, while RHJ cashed in 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists as the Tropang Giga moved two wins away from clinching the coveted title.

Despite playing without Justin Brownlee who injured his right thumb in the 6:42 mark of the third quarter, the Kings flashed their trademark never-say-die spirit resulting into a down-the-wire battle but the Tropang Giga escaped behind crucial shots by Nambatac and Glenn Khobuntin.

When Ginebra knotted the count at 82-all, Nambatac completed a three-point play and then Khobuntin scored on a breakaway layup, enabling TNT to breathe a sigh a relief with an 87-82 edge in the final 14.4 seconds.

“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 in a report by PBA.ph.

Brownlee was brought to the hospital even before the game came to an end and is likely to be a doubtful starter in today’s Game 4 scheduled at 7:30 p.m.

That would be a big challenge for the Kings as they try to equalize the series and reduce it into a best-of-three duel. – EBV