TNT stretched the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup Finals to a deciding seventh game after defeating Barangay Ginebra, 87-83, on Wednesday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Tropang Giga responded in a big way following a tumultuous Game 5 that saw Poy Erram and head coach Chot Reyes get into a heated verbal argument during a timeout as Ginebra made the decisive move.
READ Game Six of TNT-Ginebra finals draws 17,654 fans to Big Dome
As it turned out, it was Erram who, with their conference on the line, delivered in a big way, knocking down crucial baskets during a 9-0 run to start the fourth quarter in front of 17,654 fans - the biggest PBA crowd in two seasons.
Erram later nailed crucial free throws to keep TNT's head above water amid a furious fourth quarter rally by Ginebra, sending this finals series to a fitting conclusion – a Game 7 to be played on Friday at the Big Dome.
Erram scored 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to chip in to the early efforts of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Rey Nambatac, and Calvin Oftana as TNT levelled the best-of-seven title series at 3-all.
“We told the players before the game that this is our first do-or-die game with Rondae,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes. “Our first-ever experience playing a win-or-go home game with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. So I said what a great opportunity for us to learn about ourselves. So I said, let’s grab this opportunity.”
“Go out there, play hard. We just wrote on the board – compete. If we lose, we lose. But at least, we are not going to go down without a fight. Credit to the guys, they just gave it their all,” said Reyes.
Erram played the hero’s role despite being tagged with three fouls early in the match, but managed to keep himself in the game.
Hollis-Jefferson had 29 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and three steals in a no-relief effort, despite dealing with a pulled hamstring, according to SPIN.ph sources.
COLUMN: On this night, at least, Erram turns from TNT pariah to savior
Nambatac had 23 points including a four-pointer that put TNT ahead at the end of the third, 63-62, after Stephen Holt knocked down a three in the earlier possession which turned out to be the last time Ginebra held the lead in the match.
Erram knocked down a three from the right corner and scored on a reverse lay-up against Justin Brownlee to cap the run that sent TNT ahead, 72-62, the biggest lead for either team in the match.
The Gin Kings got to within a point on a Brownlee jumper with 1:05 left, 80-79, but Hollis-Jefferson hit two free throws with 45.1 seconds left. Holding a three-point lead, TNT went on a fouling spree to force Ginebra to score points from the foul line, instead of from the three- or four-point line which eventually became effective in keeping its gap.
Oftana had 14 points, while shooting 4 of 8 from threes for TNT.
Brownlee had 22 points and seven rebounds, but committed seven turnovers. Scottie Thompson had 12 points but shot just 4 of 11 from the field. The loss spoiled the comeback game of RJ Abarrientos after he had 12 points on 5 of 7 shooting.
The scores:
TNT 87 – Hollis-Jefferson 29, Nambatac 23, Oftana 14, Erram 14, Khobuntin 4, Pogoy 3, Heruela 0, Aurin 0, Williams 0.
Barangay Ginebra 83 – Brownlee 22, Thompson 12, Abarrientos 12, Holt 11, J. Aguilar 11, Malonzo 6, Rosario 6, Ahanmisi 3,
Quarters: 22-22; 38-42; 63-62; 87-83.
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