Rey Nambatac showed on Wednesday yet again why he is a Finals MVP as he hit the game-winning shot in the TNT Tropang 5G’s 100-98 overtime victory against the Meralco Bolts at Ynares Center in Antipolo. With the victory, the Tropa kept pace with the NLEX Road Warriors (who won earlier in the day versus Blackwater Bossing) for a share of the top spot in the PBA Philippine Cup standings.
What Happened?
Meralco had an electrifying start, building as much as a 23-point lead, 46-23, in the first half, in part because TNT shot horribly all half long, even going 1-for-15 from deep. But, behind the pesky defense of Jio Jalalon and Kevin Ferrer, the Tropa fought their way back to within 74-64 at the end of three before tying it up at 74 behind a 25-7 run and getting the lead at 90-87. Chris Newsome would tie it up again at 90 with a massive triple to send the game to overtime. The two teams traded baskets in extra time, with Rey Nambatac delivering the game-winner with 0.9 second remaining.
Who Stood Out?
Nambatac was mid in the first half and missing in the third. Then, he took over down the stretch, hitting a pair of huge four-pointers—including the one that gave TNT the lead in the fourth—and the game-winner in OT. In all, he finished with 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. But Nambatac’s heroics would not have been possible if not for Jalalon’s energy and hustle, which fired up TNT into a furious rally bridging the third and fourth quarters.
Over at Meralco, Chris Newsome was sensational, putting up 24 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals and making that three-ball that sent the game to OT. Cliff Hodge, as always, was a ball of energy and contributed 21 big points to go along with 10 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks.
3 Keys to the Game
- Jio Jalalon. It’s hard not to emphasize Jalalon’s role in TNT’s furious fight back. For most of the first 30 minutes of the game, the Tropa were lethargic and seemingly going through the motions. The veteran guard infused that much-needed energy and intensity that fired up the rest of TNT, helping the team come back.
- Rey Nambatac. Stingrey was cold-blooded down the stretch for TNT, hitting those four-pointers in regulation and then making that game-winner in extra time. He called his number, stared down the Bolts, and made all the big plays.
- Turnovers. Meralco committed 22 turnovers in this game, and TNT converted those into 25 points (as opposed to the Bolts scoring 8 on just 12 Tropa errors). Many of these turnovers came when TNT uncorked their furious fight back, including several due to Jalalon’s frenetic pressure defense. At one point, in fact, Jalalon forced three straight Meralco turnovers. By our unofficial count, he alone hounded the Bolts to five errors.
Next Up for the PBA
PBA action will continue to be at Ynares Center in Antipolo for the league’s Friday double-header. The first game will see the Terrafirma Dyip going up against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. The second game will have the Phoenix Fuel Masters taking on the Magnolia Hotshots.
Rain or Shine vs. Terrafirma (5:15 p.m.)
Magnolia vs. Phoenix (7:30 p.m.)
