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In one of the most thrilling battles in PBA history, Chris McCullough dropped 53 points, 22 rebounds and offset another 50-point performance by Justin Brownlee to lead TNT to a 6th game win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals.
MANILA, Philippines – When TNT needed Chris McCullough the most, he put Tropang 5G on his back and kept them alive in their quest to defend their PBA Commissioner’s Cup title.
The former NBA player poured in 53 points on top of 22 rebounds, leading TNT to a 98-90 win over Barangay Ginebra in Game 6 before a packed crowd at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, June 14.
In one of the most exciting battles in PBA history, McCullough continued Justin Brownlee’s performance of 52 points, 5-rebound, 3-assist, 2-steals, 2-blocks as Tropang 5G tied the best-of-seven series at 3-3 and forced a Game 7 winner.
“CMac got tired of Justin just eating his lunch. Another 50 piece for Justin today but CMac was able to stay with him in action and I think that’s the main thing,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes.
McCullough poured in 16 points in the fourth quarter, hitting big shots one after another, including a quick four-pointer that gave Tropang 5G a 94-86 lead with less than two minutes left.
While Brownlee responded with a layup to reduce the Gin Kings’ deficit to 6 points, McCullough responded with a short knife of his own for a 96-88 cushion, which was enough to keep Ginebra at bay.
Jordan Heading hit two free throws with 15 seconds left to seal the win as he paced McCullough with 19 points and 9 assists.
Roger Pogoy had 13 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals for TNT, which won despite missing key players Calvin Oftana (calf) and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser (ankle).
With Tropang 5G forcing Brownlee to take over offensively, they kept all of the hosts Ginebra under single digits.
Troy Rosario had 9 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 blocks in the loss, while RJ Abarrientos (6 points, 1-of-12 shooting) and Scottie Thompson (3 points, 1-for-6 shooting) were tied for their finals scoring lows.
Game 7 will be held on Wednesday, June 17, at the Mall of Asia Arena. – Rappler.com
