TNT Tropang Giga reclaimed their place at the top of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, outlasting Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in a dramatic 87-83 overtime win in Game 7 on Friday, March 28, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A sold-out crowd of 21,274 fans witnessed a high-intensity battle that required an extra five minutes before TNT secured the championship.
Brownlee Forces Overtime, but TNT Stays Resilient
Ginebra fought hard in regulation, with Justin Brownlee knocking down a clutch three-pointer with 21 seconds left to tie the game at 79-79, forcing overtime.
However, TNT quickly took control in OT with a 6-0 run, capped by Glenn Khobuntin’s crucial three-pointer to push them ahead 85-79. Japeth Aguilar finally broke Ginebra’s drought, and Jamie Malonzo’s late free throws cut the deficit to 85-83.
![TNT Tropang Giga celebrates their hard-fought PBA Commissioner’s Cup Game 7 victory. [PBA Images]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/129A3541.jpg)
But TNT had the final say, as Calvin Oftana drained a critical basket to give his team the cushion they needed. Brownlee got off a four-point attempt but missed, sealing TNT’s championship celebration.
Key Players and Statistics
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Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led TNT with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals, going a perfect 9-of-9 from the free-throw line.
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Rey Nambatac added 22 points, while RR Pogoy chipped in 9 points, including a clutch overtime three-pointer.
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Glenn Khobuntin provided a huge spark off the bench with 14 points, including his key three in OT.
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Justin Brownlee paced Ginebra with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.
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Japeth Aguilar contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Scottie Thompson had 12 points and 9 boards.
Despite Ginebra winning the rebounding battle (55-39), TNT capitalized on:
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Forcing 24 turnovers
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14 steals
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80% free-throw shooting
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Bench contributions (16 points)
TNT’s defense and clutch shot-making proved decisive in securing the title.
A Championship for the Ages
With this victory, TNT solidifies its status as one of the PBA’s most dominant franchises, reclaiming the Commissioner’s Cup crown. Meanwhile, Ginebra’s valiant effort fell just short, reinforcing its reputation as a perennial contender in Philippine basketball.
