PBA: Chris McCullough erupts for 53 to tow TNT past Barangay Ginebra, force Game 7

Chris McCullough exploded for a PBA career-high 53 points to power TNT past Barangay Ginebra, 98-90, in Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the victory, TNT tied the best-of-seven series at 3-3 and forced a winner-take-all Game 7 on Wednesday.

It was a seesaw battle throughout, but the contest turned into a duel between imports McCullough and Justin Brownlee in the closing minutes.

Nards Pinto cut Barangay Ginebra's deficit to 78-75 with 8:38 remaining before Brownlee scored five straight points, capped by a three-pointer, to put the Gin Kings ahead.

McCullough responded with a triple and a basket, while Kelly Williams joined the rally as TNT regained control, 85-80.

Brownlee and McCullough then traded baskets down the stretch, with the Ginebra import scoring the team's final 10 points. McCullough, however, delivered the decisive blows, drilling a three-pointer to extend TNT's lead to 88-82 before knocking down a four-pointer for a 94-86 advantage with less than two minutes left.

Holding a 96-90 lead with 1:20 remaining, TNT sealed the win through Jordan Heading's free throws after RJ Abarrientos missed a four-point attempt.

"I guess CMac got tired of Justin eating his lunch. Another 50-piece by Justin today, but CMac was able to stay in step with him, and I think that's basically the key," TNT head coach Chot Reyes said.

"We told ourselves not to get discouraged, that if we really focus on playing defense, then we can stop this team."

McCullough did most of his damage in the second half, scoring 17 points in the third quarter and 16 in the fourth. He finished with five three-pointers, 22 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.

Jordan Heading provided ample support with 19 points, nine assists, one steal, and one block, while RR Pogoy added 13 points. Calvin Oftana did not play due to calf strain, while Jayson Castro had three points before he exited the game in the third period due to an apparent ankle injury.

The victory spoiled Brownlee's 52-point performance. Troy Rosario led the Gin Kings' local contingent with nine points and 15 rebounds, along with two blocks and one assist.

Scores:

TNT 98 – McCullough 53, Heading 19, Pogoy 13, Castro 3, Nambatac 3, Khobuntin 3, Williams 2, Galinato 2, Aurin 0

Barangay Ginebra 90 – Brownlee 52, Rosario 9, J.Aguilar 8, Abarrientos 6, Holt 5, Pinto 5, Thompson 3, Abis 2, Gray 0, Cu 0

Quarters: 17-16, 45-43, 75-67, 98-90

—JKC, GMA News