PBA: Heading, McCullough power TNT past Barangay Ginebra to level Finals series at 2-2

Jordan Heading and Chris McCullough powered TNT to a 106-98 victory over Barangay Ginebra in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Heading caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down five triples on his way to 29 points, eight assists, and six rebounds.

McCullough, meanwhile, delivered a double-double with 24 points and 14 rebounds, along with five assists and two blocks, as TNT tied the best-of-seven series at two games apiece.

Barangay Ginebra held a slim 53-50 advantage at halftime before TNT seized control in the third quarter. The Tropang 5G outscored the Gin Kings, 25-15, in the period to take the lead heading into the final frame.

TNT continued to build momentum in the fourth quarter, stretching its lead to as much as 18 points, 88-70, after opening the period with an 8-0 run.

From there, the Tropang 5G withstood Barangay Ginebra’s late comeback attempts to secure the win.

For TNT head coach Chot Reyes, defense proved to be the difference-maker.

“I think the key was our defense. Jordan had a good shooting night and he kept us in the game in first half when McCullough was struggling. But I think the combination of Jordan’s shooting and the scoring of the other players, with our defense, kept us in the ball game and gave us a chance to pull it off in the end,” Reyes said.

Jayson Castro contributed 14 points, while Calvin Oftana added 12 for TNT.

Best Import of the Conference Justin Brownlee, who was honored before the game, finished with 32 points, five rebounds, and five assists for Barangay Ginebra. Best Player of the Conference RJ Abarrientos added 21 points, four assists, and one rebound in the loss.

Scores:

TNT 106 – Heading 29, McCullough 24, Castro 14, Oftana 12, Ganuelas-Rosser 10, Nambatac 7, Galinato 5, Pogoy 5, Khobuntin 0.

Barangay Ginebra 98 – Brownlee 32, Abarrientos 21, J.Aguilar 12, Rosario 11, Holt 5, Thompson 4, Abis 4, Pinto 4, Gray 3, Cu 2, Go 0.

Quarters: 16-21, 50-53, 75-68, 106-98.

—JKC, GMA News