Magnolia avoided a dangerous situation as it clipped TNT, 106-98, to seize Game Three of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Finals, Sunday evening at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Hotshots set the tempo early on mainly behind their vaunted defense, leaving the Tropang Giga playing catch-up the rest of the way. It was a complete reversal of the series’ first two games that saw them lose via blowouts.
Magnolia actually squandered their 7-0 start as TNT replied with a run of their own to take a six-point lead. But it didn’t take long for the former to retaliate, scoring 12 straight. That ended the opening quarter in Magnolia’s favor, 26-20.
The Hotshots were in control after that, although it wasn’t all smooth-sailing. After leading by 14 early in the third canto, the Tropa got to within three, 80-77, with 33 seconds to go thanks to Mikey Williams’ hot shooting.
Magnolia, though, was quick to get back on its feet. Mark Barroca took the wheel and spearheaded a 13-0 assault to start the fourth quarter. That widened his side’s cushion to 18, 95-77, with 7:49 on the clock.
TNT still tried to mount a comeback and sliced the gap to just three after Williams’ trey with 1:11 to go. But Barroca and Rome Dela Rosa were there to unload the finishing blows.
The Hotshots avoided falling to a 0-3 hole.
Magnolia weathered the historic night of Williams, who finished with 39 points on 10 three-pointers. Moreover, he carried the fight for his crew.
According to league stats chief Fidel Mangonon III, those are the most points by a rookie in two decades; or since Eric Menk had 42 in Game Three of 1999 All-Filipino championship series for Tanduay.
The 29-year-old has also recorded the most treys in a Finals game. The previous record was nine by Jayson Castro in Game Two of the 2015 Commissioner’s Cup titular bout versus Rain or Shine.
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