Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings weathered a fierce challenge from the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, especially in the crucial moments, to secure a 103-98 victory in Game 3 of their PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup semifinals. The win gave Ginebra a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series, played Sunday evening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Ginebra's Comeback Victory
The Gin Kings trailed for most of the first two quarters and at one point fell behind by as many as 13 points. Led by Scottie Thompson, Ginebra mounted a 29-12 rally in the third quarter to take a 77-68 lead, which opened the door to their eventual victory.
Other Semifinals Action
In the other semifinal series, TNT Tropang 5G also took a 2-1 lead after edging the Meralco Bolts 77-75 in Game 3. TNT achieved this despite playing without their import, as 7'3" Bol Bol suffered a partial Achilles tendon tear early in Game 2.
Game Scores
Game 3: TNT vs. Meralco
TNT (77): Nambatac 18, Oftana 15, Heading 12, Pogoy 9, Ganuelas-Rosser 8, Aurin 5, Khobuntin 5, Williams 3, Galinato 2.
Meralco (75): Jones 22, Newsome 10, Mocon 8, Cansino 8, Brickman 7, Black 5, Rios 5, Hodge 4, Banchero 4, Quinto 2.
Game 3: Ginebra vs. Rain or Shine
Ginebra (103): Thompson 25, Brownlee 24, Abarrientos 17, Holt 11, Rosario 9, Gray 7, J. Aguilar 7, Cu 3.
Rain or Shine (98): Tiongson 23, Johnson 23, Nocum 17, Caracut 15, Mamuyac 7, Clarito 5, Asistio 3, David 3, Malonzo 2.
