TNT looks to grab a two-game lead in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Barangay Ginebra as the scene shifts to Antipolo City for Game 4.
BARANGAY GINEBRA VS. TNT
When: Friday, March 21. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center, Antipolo
TNT seeks for 3-1 lead
The Tropang Giga are eyeing a commanding 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven title series against the Gin Kings on Friday night. TNT retook the advantage last Wednesday after its 87-85 win over Barangay Ginebra at the Philsports Arena.
Ginebra looks to even things up with Brownlee a big question mark
The Gin Kings are trying to tie the series, and it could be safe to say that their backs are now against the wall after Justin Brownlee suffered a dislocated right thumb in Game 3. As of posting time, Brownlee's status is unknown. On the eve of Game 4, it was learned that Brownlee must seek consultation from a hand specialist to determine the extent of the injury. Regardless, Ginebra has already prepared itself to play all-Filipino for Friday’s match-up.
All-Filipino Ginebra not that bad as shown in Game 3
Ginebra already got the feel of playing without Brownlee last Wednesday, and it’s performance wasn’t bad at all, keeping the game close and even leading, 82-80, entering the final two minutes until Rey Nambatac and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson played the hero’s role. But even so, Ginebra outscored TNT, 19-15, in the fourth without Brownlee. TNT is also prepared for an all-Filipino Ginebra crew. but coach Chot Reyes warned that the series is far from over even with the potential absence of Brownlee.
Japeth Aguilar still a non-factor for Ginebra
If there is one player that Ginebra needs with the possible absence of Justin Brownlee, it’s Japeth Aguilar. The Ginebra big man averaged 8.5 points and 6 rebounds in the first two games of the finals. Aguilar actually had a good start to Game 3, knocking in his first two attempts, but went 1-of-9 the rest of the way to end up with only six points. The time is now for Aguilar to step up.
Three-point shots must continue to fall for TNT
TNT made 14 three-pointers in Game 1 and 11 in Game 3, both of which it won. In Game 2, the Tropang Giga were defended well from the outside and only made six. Reyes said Ginebra’s defense is capable of keeping it in the finals even without Brownlee. The Gin Kings must be locked in on Friday night especially after Rey Nambatac hit five treys in Game 3.
Best Player of the Conference, Best Import to be named
Before Game 4, the PBA will award the Commissioner’s Cup’s Best Player of the Conference and Best Import awards. TNT has its candidates for those honors with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Calvin Oftana, but Arvin Tolentino of NorthPort could steal the spotlight, at least, for this awarding.
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