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McCullough explosion puts TNT on cusp of Finals return

Sports | Basketball

McCullough explosion puts TNT on cusp of Finals return

By Reynald I. Magallon

At A Glance

Chris McCullough exploded for 17 in the final frame as TNT moved one win away from a Finals return following a 103-95 victory over Meralco in Game 5 of their best-of-seven PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, May 29.

Chris McCullough exploded for 17 in the final frame as TNT moved one win away from a Finals return following a 103-95 victory over Meralco in Game 5 of their best-of-seven PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, May 29.

Getting acclimated to his new team and his rhythm back, McCullough took over in the fourth quarter to create the much-needed separation in the once back-and-forth affair against the Bolts.

McCullough even had a stretch in the payoff period where he fired 12 straight points to turn a slim 86-83 advantage into a 98-91 lead with a little over three minutes left in the game.

The former San Miguel Beer import erupted for 42 points to go with 11 rebounds while Jordan Heading fired 22 points and six assists. RR Pogoy had 16 points and Calvin Oftana chipped in 12 as TNT seized a 3-2 series lead.

According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, teams who have taken such a lead in the best-of-seven affair have an 80 percent chance of winning the entire series.

Patrick Gardner paced Meralco with 25 points and 12 rebounds while Chris Banchero and Cliff Hodge added 12 apiece in a losing effort.

Related Tags

TNT Tropang 5G Meralco Chris McCullough PBA playoffs PBA PBA Commissioner\'s Cup

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