Tasked on defense, Glenn Khobuntin's offense shines in Game 7 clincher for TNT

Glenn Khobuntin was among the TNT defenders assigned to put the clamps on Barangay Ginebra, especially on Justin Brownlee, but that did not mean the veteran forward could not be an offensive threat. 

The longtime TNT vet showed just that in no less than Game 7 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Friday, helping the Tropang Giga take down the Gin Kings in overtime to win it all. 

But for him, it's all about just taking the chances when they present themselves. 

"Game 7 na ‘yun eh, sabi ko kung ma-o-open ako, hindi ko na papakawalan siguro ‘yun kasi ‘yun na ‘yung maitutulong ko sa kanila kaysa na ma-turnover pa. Ayun, nag-click naman at pumasok naman. Nakita ko rin si Rondae hirap na rin siya," Khobuntin said. 

"Buti pumasok ‘yung una, ‘yung naging six points ‘yung lamang."

Khobuntin came up big in the fourth quarter, burying a triple that made it a 75-72 lead for TNT before another jumper from him allowed the Tropang Giga to take a 77-74 cushion with 47 seconds left. 

But Ginebra was able to force extra period courtesy of a clutch three-pointer from Brownlee. 

Khobuntin, though, would come up with even bigger baskets come the extra period, knocking down a triple to extend their lead to six, 85-79, with 2:22 left to play. That allowed TNT to run away with the title as Calvin Oftana sealed it with a breakaway layup. 

Khobuntin admitted it was a tall order to guard Brownlee, who can basically shoot from everywhere.

"Grabe, ang hirap bantayan no’n kasi unang-una ang laki niya tapos ang dami niyang galaw tapos talagang shooter pa," he added.

"Wala, will na lang ‘yung nilagay ko no’n, wala ng iba. Hindi ko alam kung pano siya i-i-stop-in. And ayun nag-click naman kahit papaano nu'ng last quarter."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News