TNT finishes off Meralco, sets up title match with Ginebra

Sports

FOR the fourth time in the last eight conferences, the TNT Tropang 5G and the Barangay Ginebra Kings will duke it out in the PBA Finals.

The Tropa sealed the title match after they edged out the Meralco Bolts, 97-94, in Game 6 of their semifinal series in the 50th PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday night, May 31, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

TNT’s win came after Ginebra nipped the Rain or Shine earlier, 118-107.

The twin semifinal affairs both ended in six games with TNT and Ginebra winning, 4-2.

In booking a return trip to Finals to defend their title, the Tropa weathered Meralco’s spirited comeback.

TNT was comfortably ahead, 91-77, in the final 7:04 but Meralco charged back and evened the count at 94-all with 1:41 left.

Jordan Heading came to TNT’s rescue, scoring on a tough layup while being fouled by Meralco import Patrick Gardner. Heading completed the three-point that put the Tropa ahgead, 97-94, with 42.1 seconds left.

Meralco eventually fell after missing three straight shots, including a potential game-winning four-point shot by CJ Cansino.

Jordan Heading fired 30 points in a solid performance capped by the marginal three-point play. Chris McCullough scored 22 points before fouling out in the final 3:23.

Gardner led the Bolts with 32 points.

The PBA Finals will start on Wednesday, June 3.

THE SCORES:

TNT (97) – Heading 30, McCullough 22, Oftana 12, Ganuelas-Rosser 9, Pogoy 8, Williams 7, Nambatac 5, Castro 4, Khobuntin 0, Aurin 0.

MERALCO (94 – Gardner 32, Newsome 15, Quinto 14, Brickman 11, Hodge 11, Mocon 5, Banchero 4, Cansino 2, Rios 0, Bates 0.QUARTERSCORES: 29-25, 51-44, 79-71, 97-94.(CCM)