Once more, with feeling, for TNT Tropang Giga

By Robert Andaya

FIRST the PBA Governors’ Cup.

Now, the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

With back-to-back championships under their belt, the TNT Tropang Giga moved in position to make history by completing a rare grand slam in Asia’s first play-for-pay league.

Up next is the coveted PBA All-Filipino Cup.

Going to PBA Season 50, only four teams  — Crispa (twice), San  Miguel Beer, Alaska Milk and San Mig Coffee — have won basketball’s  triple crown.

Can they make it?

But for now, Reyes would like to savor the sweet taste of success following TNT’s dramatic 87-83 victory over Barangay Ginebra in the deciding Game 7 in front of another sellout  crowd of 21,274 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Tropang Giga wrapped up the best-of-seven title series, 4 games to 3.

It was the 11th PBA championship for both Reyes and  the Tropang Giga and Reyes.

“My appreciation goes to our players, who really found a way to win. Talagang ayaw magpatalo and this is the result,” said Reyes.

“Salamat sa Ginebra for teaching us how to play tough basketball. Salamat sa fans at sa players ng Talk ‘N Text. This is a special team and a special group,” said TNT governor and PBA chairman Ricky Vargas.

Hollis-Jefferson finished with 25 points on 8-of-19 shooting, 12 rebounds, two assists and two steals in almost 53 minutes of action.

Rey Nambatac stepped up in a big way  for TNT as he added 22 points, four assists, three steals and two rebounds .

Glenn Khobuntin was also big with 14 points from off the bench.

Gilas mainstay Calvin Oftana had 10 points and six rebounds while RR Pogoy chipped in with nine points.

Former PBA Best Import Justin Brownlee led the Gin Kings with 28 points on 12-of-30 shooting, and 10 rebounds in 52 minutes of play for coach Tim Cone.

Veteran Japeth Aguilar added 15 points and 11 rebounds while Scottie Thompson and Stephen Holt contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively.

RJ Abarrientos chipped in with eight points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

TNT seemed in full control after taking an 85-79 lead with 2:22 left in overtime.

But Ginebra tightened its defense, holding the Tropang Giga scoreless for over two minutes and cutting the deficit to 83-85 with 51 seconds remaining.

The Gin Kings had a chance to take the lead, but Thompson missed a three-point attempt and failed to secure the long offensive rebound, handing possession back to TNT with 13.4 seconds left.

Ginebra’s defense nearly forced a turnover on Hollis-Jefferson, but as the trap collapsed, Oftana found himself wide open for a layup, extending the lead to four with 6.3 seconds remaining.

Brownlee attempted a desperation four-point play to force a second overtime, but his shot missed as time expired.

The scores:

TNT (87) – Hollis-Jefferson 25, Nambatac 22, Khobuntin 14, Oftana 10, Pogoy 9, Erram 5, Williams 2, Aurin 0, Heruela 0

Ginebra (83)–Brownlee 28, Thompson 13, J. Aguilar 15, Holt 12, Abarrientos 8, Ahanmisi 3, Rosario 2, Malonzo 2

Quarterscores: 22-16, 40-35, 60-62, 79-79, 87-83