MANILA, Philippines – Terrence Jones imposed his will on both ends to propel TNT to a 115-105 comeback win over San Miguel in Game 3 of the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, August 9.

Ejected in the crucial stretch of their double-overtime Game 2 loss, Jones kept his cool just enough to keep himself in the match and deliver 37 points off 5 triples on top of 18 rebounds, 9 assists, and 5 blocks. 

That to go along with 4 locals breaching double figures proved to be the key for the KaTropa in digging themselves out of a 17-point hole as they seized a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven affair.

Jones, who feared another ejection after headbutting Chris Ross in the opening quarter, remained composed and scored 13 points in a blistering 24-0 run that swung a 19-36 deficit to a 43-36 advantage. 

Don Trollano played the game of his life for TNT with a career-high 18 points as Roger Pogoy scattered 29 points, including back-to-back three-pointers that gave their side a comfortable 113-99 lead with two minutes left.

Despite wasting their huge lead, the Beermen managed to keep the game close in the final frame trailing 85-88 behind June Mar Fajardo and Terrence Romeo. 

But the KaTropa pulled away for good with 12 unanswered points courtesy of 3 long bombs from Pogoy and Trollano, 100-85. 

Jayson Castro finished with 14 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Troy Rosario added 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in the win. 

Fajardo paced San Miguel with 27 points and 13 rebounds, import Chris McCullough had another 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Romeo chipped in 13 points and 5 assists. 

Game 4 is on Sunday, August 11, at the same venue. 

The Scores

TNT 115 – Jones 37, Pogoy 29, Trollano 18, Castro 14, Rosario 13, Heruela 4, Washington 0, Golla 0, Taha 0, Carey 0, D. Semerad 0, Casino 0, Magat 0.

San Miguel 105 – McCullough 27, Fajardo 27, Romeo 13, Pessumal 12, Santos 10, Standhardinger 8, Ross 5, Cabagnot 3, Rosser 0.

Quarters: 18-33, 55-50, 86-78, 115-105.

– Rappler.com