PBA: Heading powers TNT past Meralco, sets up Finals rematch vs. Ginebra

MANILA, June 1 ------ Jordan Heading caught fire to power TNT Tropang 5G back to the PBA Finals and set up a rematch against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

The Fil-Aussie sniper erupted for 30 points built on seven three-pointers as TNT defeated the Meralco Bolts, 97-94, in Game 6 of the Season 50 Commissioner's Cup semifinals at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. "The work remains the same, and we're blessed and thankful for the chance [at a championship]," said Heading, who completed a crucial and-one play with 42 seconds left to put TNT ahead by three.

Chris McCullough also delivered with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists before fouling out. Calvin Oftana added 12 points and seven rebounds, and also drew a costly offensive foul from Bong Quinto in crunch time, setting up Heading's eventual game-winning basket.

TNT's defense likewise held firm in the closing seconds, refusing to give Meralco a clean look to extend its conference campaign. Despite having 15 seconds left, Quinto missed a three-point attempt, while CJ Cansino was forced to take a desperation four-pointer that also missed. Jason Brickman grabbed the offensive rebound, but his ensuing triple likewise came up short, allowing the Tropang 5G to escape.

TNT and Ginebra are expected to open their best-of-seven Finals series on Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, with the Tropang 5G looking to reassert their mastery over the Gin Kings after defeating them in the Finals of the same conference last season. Meanwhile, Patrick Gardner wrapped up his brief PBA stint with the Bolts with 32 points, though Meralco ultimately fell short in its attempt to complete a 14-point comeback. Quinto finished with 14 points, highlighted by two four-pointers, while Chris Newsome added 15 markers. Cliff Hodge and Brickman also chipped in 11 points apiece for Meralco.

The Scores:

TNT 97 – Heading 30, McCullough 22, Oftana 12, Ganuelas-Rosser 9, Pogoy 8, Williams 7, Nambatac 5, Castro 4, Khobuntin 0, Aurin 0.

Meralco 94 – Gardner 32, Newsome 15, Quinto 14, Brickman 11, Hodge 11, Mocon 5, Banchero 4, Cansino 2, Rios 0, Bates 0.

Quarterscores: 29-25, 51-44, 79-71, 97-94.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com