The TNT Tropang GIGA clinched the PBA Commissioner's Cup title with a thrilling 87-83 overtime win over Barangay Ginebra in Game 7 on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
As the game neared its end, Barangay Ginebra closed the gap on TNT, and Justin Brownlee delivered in the clutch.
With 21 seconds on the clock, Brownlee knocked down a key three-pointer, tying the game at 79-79 and forcing overtime.
Ginebra struggled to keep up as TNT went on a 6-0 run, with a key three-pointer from Glenn Khobuntin, pushing their lead to 85-79.
Japeth Aguilar ended Ginebra's scoring drought with a timely basket just under two minutes to go. With less than a minute remaining, Jamie Malonzo drew a foul from Rey Nambatac and made two free throws to narrow the gap to 85-83.
Calvin Oftana quickly answered for TNT with a crucial layup, extending their lead as the clock wound down.
Brownlee’s three-point attempt to tie the game fell short, sealing the victory for the Tropang GIGA.
Rondae Jaquan Hollis-Jefferson was the driving force behind Tropang GIGA’s victory in their most recent clash with the crowd-favorite team. He was joined by Nambatac, who finished with 22 points, Khobuntin with 14, and Calvin Oftana, who added 10 points, providing a balanced offensive attack.
Furthermore, Nambatac was recognized for his stellar performance throughout the series with the Finals MVP award.
In a familiar championship setting, TNT repeated their success over Barangay Ginebra, mirroring their PBA Governors' Cup triumph, where they secured the title in a six-game series.
