WITH Barangay Ginebra San Miguel forcing TNT Tropang Giga into costly mistakes late in the game, the series is now tied at 1-1 following a thrilling Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Sunday.
In front of a packed crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the Gin Kings demonstrated that their mantra “never-say-die” will never fade, defeating the Tropang Giga in a heart-stopping 71-70 finish.
Although it was a low-scoring game, the hard-fought struggle could not match the intensity of their second meeting in the Best-of-7 series, as both teams are attempting to capture a much-needed victory.
Almost, But Not Quite
The Tropang GIGA bounced back from a horrific first half, scoring only four points in the second quarter, with back-to-back triples by Calvin Oftana and Roger Pogoy giving them a 68-67 lead with 3:57 remaining.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s two free throws gave the Tropang GIGA their largest lead, 70-67, with 2:28 remaining. With 2:05 remaining, Justin Brownlee replied with a basket, bringing the score to 69-70.
However, Pogoy’s foul on Brownlee with 46.9 seconds proved to be more than vital, as the Ginebra import converted both free throws to give his team the lead they held on to for good.
The Gin Kings then forced the Tropang GIGA into a 24-second violation, trapping Hollis-Jefferson. Despite this, they were unable to close the game as Scottie Thompson threw the ball away, which Oftana intercepted.
That sequence allowed the Tropang GIGA 7.3 seconds to win the game, but the Ginebra defenders locked in on Hollis-Jefferson, who was unable to make a clear heave as time expired.
Testing Characters
Once again, Brownlee was the hero for Ginebra, scoring 35 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Thompson recorded 16 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, but he also committed five turnovers.
Hollis-Jefferson, meanwhile, had 25 points on an atrocious 6-of-23 shooting as both teams struggled to score throughout the game. Pogoy was the only other TNT player in double digits, scoring 11 points on 12 shots.
For Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, this game clearly demonstrated what his squad is capable of when grit is at the forefront of their minds, “These guys just showed true grit all the way through the game.”
“And we knew that if we’re going to have a chance in the series, we’re going to have to show that character and that true grit, just really reach deep to make two stops down the stretch.”
“Those were really incredible stops. And that’s just the way we’re going to have to play to have a chance in this series,” he went on to explain.
Following two games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals will return to PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday for the third game of the series between Ginebra and TNT.
