TNT crushes Ginebra, moves within one win of back-to-back Governors’ Cup title
TNT Tropang Giga has placed itself on the brink of a successful title defense, delivering a defensive masterclass and routing Barangay Ginebra, 99-72, in Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, November 6.
This commanding win propels the Tropang Giga to a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, needing just one more win to clinch the crown.
TNT wasted no time taking control, as veteran Kelly Williams, in a surprise start, set the tone with seven quick points. His early burst sparked TNT to a 26-20 first-quarter lead, and from there, the Tropang Giga never looked back. A 30-13 blitz in the second quarter widened the gap to 56-33 by halftime, essentially sealing the game and leaving Ginebra unable to mount any serious comeback.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, TNT’s ever-reliable import, filled the stat sheet with 16 points and 10 rebounds in 31 minutes, a marked reduction in his court time compared to previous games.
RR Pogoy added firepower with 16 points, sinking 3-of-4 three-pointers, including a buzzer-beater to end the third quarter and stretch TNT’s lead to a massive 79-48.
Calvin Oftana also contributed significantly, finishing with 15 points and eight rebounds, and Jayson Castro chipped in 10 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in an all-around performance.
The Tropang Giga’s defense was in top form, holding Ginebra to its lowest scoring output in the Finals and limiting Justin Brownlee to just eight points on a rough 3-for-13 shooting night. This defensive intensity marked a sharp contrast to Game 4, where Brownlee erupted for 34 points.
Struggling to find their offensive groove, the Gin Kings looked to Scottie Thompson and LA Tenorio, who led the team with 13 points apiece, though it wasn’t enough to overcome TNT’s relentless pressure.
Ginebra will need to regroup quickly as Game 6 looms on Friday, where they must fight to keep their championship hopes alive. Meanwhile, TNT is now one win away from clinching its second consecutive Governors’ Cup title, with momentum firmly in its favor.
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