PBA: McCullough erupts for 42 points as TNT moves a win away from Commissioner's Cup finals

Chris McCullough found his groove as he erupted for 42 points to tow TNT past Meralco, 103-95, in Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the win, TNT took a 3-2 series lead and moved a win away from the finals.

After holding a slim 76-72 lead at the end of the third quarter, the Tropang 5G unleashed an 11-2 run midway through the fourth period to build a 94-85 advantage with around five minutes left.

Cliff Hodge answered with back-to-back baskets for Meralco to trim the deficit, but McCullough and Jordan Heading delivered crucial baskets down the stretch to seal the victory for TNT.

“Our defensive game plan was to get good shots because in the last game, we had so many turnovers. We gave up 26 points off turnovers. For us to help our defense, we had to get good shots, that means we’re taking shots, not throwing the ball over,” TNT head coach Chot Reyes said.

After scoring 13 points in the first half, McCullough exploded for 29 more in the second half to finish with 42 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

Heading led the locals with 22 points, six assists, and a rebound, while RR Pogoy and Calvin Oftana chipped in 16 and 12 points, respectively.

For Meralco, Patrick Gardner posted 25 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals, while Cliff Hodge added a double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds.

Scores:

TNT 103 – McCullough 42, Heading 22, Pogoy 16, Oftana 12, Castro 6, Ganuelas-Rosser 3, Aurin 2, Williams 0, Galinato 0, Nambatac 0, Ferrer 0, Khobuntin 0.

Meralco 95 – Gardner 25, Banchero 12, Hodge 12, Black 11, Mocon 10, Newsome 10, Cansino 4, Quinto 4, Bates 2, Brickman 2, Almazan 0.

Quarters: 22-19, 41-42, 76-72, 103-95.

—JKC, GMA News