Rey Nambatac tows the TNT Tropang Giga back to the driver's seat in Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
When Ginebra import Justin Brownlee made an early exit owing to a dislocated thumb, not a few thought that TNT had Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals in the bag.
It still did not come easy, however, for the Tropang Giga Wednesday night, March 19.
The Gin Kings mounted an inspired fightback in the absence of their beloved import, but thanks in large part to Rey Nambatac, TNT emerged victorious via an 87-85 decision.
The Tropang Giga thus took the advantage back in their hands at 2-1 in the race-to-four contest.
[RELATED STORY: Rey Nambatac turns pressure into motivation as TNT heads to PBA Finals sans Jayson Castro]
Nambatac put up his best game yet in a TNT uniform and in the playoffs after delivering 24 big points, including a booming three that gave his squad the lead for good, 85-83.
He also had five rebounds and seven assists.
“Importante 'yong decision-making ko sa loob lalo't wala si Kuya Jayson (Castro),” said Nambatac after the match at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
“At least nag-payoff naman [ang efforts ko] especially sa mga extra shots na ginagawa ko sa practice. Just go with the flow lang ako. Sinusunod ko lang ang sistema ni coach Chot (Reyes). Isa sa mga factors ay may tiwala talaga ang mga teammates ko sa'kin.”
Rey Nambatac and the rest of the TNT Tropang Giga celebrate during Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup Finals. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
After Brownlee sustained his injury at the 6:42 mark of the third period, the Gin Kings got fired up and stayed within striking distance.
[RELATED STORY: Gins deputy Del Rosario hopes for best after Brownlee sustains injury: ‘Warrior naman 'to’]
Ginebra even led, 83-80, on Scottie Thompson’s free throws.
But a quick five-point swing by the Tropang Giga and a crucial RJ Abarrientos error that led to a Glen Khobuntin breakaway layup sealed the win for TNT.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson hiked his shooting percentage to 57.1 after a measly 26.1 in Game 2. He produced 20 points. He also submitted 11 rebounds, eight assists and a steal.
Calvin Oftana had 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Meanwhile, Brownlee tallied 19 points, four rebounds, six assists and a block before his untimely exit.
Scottie Thompson added 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Troy Rosario scored 13 points and grabbed seven boards.
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.
Quarterscores: 17-17, 42-48, 72-66, 87-85.