PBA: Kim Aurin scores career-high 22 as TNT beats San Miguel in OT

Kim Aurin delivered a career-high 22 points, including clutch baskets in overtime, as TNT outlasted San Miguel Beer, 93-89, in the PBA Governors' Cup on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Aurin scored nine of his 22 points in the extra period, knocking down two crucial three-pointers with a George King layup sandwiched in between to give the Tropang 5G an 89-87 lead with 25 seconds remaining. TNT import Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson followed with a layup before Rey Nambatac knocked down two free throws off a Jericho Cruz foul to seal the victory, despite Marcio Lassiter's late jumper.

TNT appeared headed for regulation victory after taking a 73-69 lead with 2:57 remaining in the fourth quarter. However, King converted two free throws before Don Trollano tied the game with a layup. Nambatac missed a potential game-winner for TNT, while Trollano and Kevin Ferrer also came up empty in the closing seconds, sending the contest to overtime.

The Beermen held TNT to just eight points in the fourth quarter while scoring 18 to erase what had been a comfortable lead.

TNT was in control for much of the game, taking a 46-34 halftime advantage after opening with a strong 25-15 first quarter.

“I really don’t know how we did it but just from my emotional intelligence and mental strength coaching, I know how important mindset is,” TNT head coach Chot Reyes said.

“We could have had a negative attitude going into overtime, that’s why I made it a point to reframe it into a positive mindset.”

Aside from Aurin's career night, Nambatac finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block, while Hollis-Jefferson posted 20 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one block. Poy Erram chipped in 12 points for the undermanned Tropang 5G, who remained without Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, and Jayson Castro.

The loss wasted a dominant performance from George King, who tallied 35 points and 16 rebounds for San Miguel. June Mar Fajardo recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, along with two assists and two blocks.

Lassiter added 13 points, while Trollano contributed 12.

The victory improved TNT to 3-2, while San Miguel dropped to 4-2.

Scores:

TNT 93 – Aurin 22, Nambatac 21, Hollis-Jefferson 20, Erram 12, Galinato 6, Jalalon 5, Quitevis 4, Ferrer 3, Khobuntin 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Enciso 0, Variila 0.

San Miguel 89 – King 35, Fajardo 14, Lassiter 13, Trollano 12, Cruz 6, Brondial 4, Ahanmisi 3, Tautuaa 2, Ross 0, Hernandez 0, Cahilig 0.

Quarters: 25-15, 46-34, 65-55, 73-73, 93-89.

—JKC, GMA News