Chris McCullough delivered on his promise of a stronger showing as TNT moved within one win of reaching the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

The TNT import exploded for 42 points to power the Tropang 5G past the Meralco Bolts, 103-95, in Game 5 of their semifinal series Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. McCullough’s offensive eruption came after he struggled in his first game back during TNT’s Game 4 loss, where he shot just 7-of-22 from the field.

This time, the former NBA player looked far more comfortable and efficient. He finished 16-of-28 from the floor while also collecting 11 rebounds in a dominant all-around performance.

Fourth-quarter takeover

McCullough took control late in the fourth quarter when the game remained within reach for Meralco. With TNT nursing a slim lead, the import scored four straight baskets in a personal scoring run that shifted momentum completely.

He drilled back-to-back triples before adding a spinning drive and a jumper that gave TNT a 98-91 advantage. Jordan Heading then delivered the finishing touches with five straight points that stretched the lead to double digits and secured the victory for the Tropang 5G.

After the game, McCullough admitted he simply needed time to regain rhythm after sitting out for two weeks. He also acknowledged his earlier statement that things would get “scary” once he regained form.

“Yeah, I said that,” McCullough said. “I just needed to get my legs under me. I had two weeks off from playing basketball so I’m just happy to be back, happy to be playing.”

Better ball movement

TNT coach Chot Reyes credited the team’s improved ball movement and reduced turnovers as major factors behind the victory. The Tropang 5G committed only 11 turnovers after giving away 15 miscues in Game 4, which Meralco converted into transition opportunities.

“Coming into this game our gameplan was to get good shots because the last game we had so many turnovers, we gave up 26 points off turnovers,” Reyes said. He added that TNT’s focus on generating quality shots prevented Meralco from thriving in transition offense.

The Tropang 5G also displayed improved offensive execution, shooting 35-of-72 from the field while recording a series-high 23 assists. Their improved ball movement allowed TNT to finally crack the century mark in the semifinal series.

Patrick Gardner paced Meralco with 25 points and 12 rebounds, although foul trouble limited his impact late in the contest. The Bolts import picked up his fourth and fifth fouls in quick succession during the fourth quarter.

Cliff Hodge tried to keep Meralco close and finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Chris Banchero also contributed 12 points and six assists for the Bolts.

Despite Meralco staying within striking distance at 88-85 late in the game, McCullough’s scoring barrage proved too much for the Bolts to overcome. TNT now heads into Game 6 with the opportunity to close out the best-of-seven series Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.