TNT Tropang GIGA’s Rey Nambatac vs. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals. Photo from PBA Images.

MANILA (UPDATED)— TNT Tropang GIGA successfully took advantage of the shorthanded Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to take a 2-1 lead in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup Finals.

The Chot Reyes-mentored squad defeated the Gin Kings, 87-85, during their Game 3 faceoff at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, Wednesday evening, with Rey Nambatac leading the way.

He finished with his best outing as a Tropang GIGA, putting up 24 points on top of seven assists, five rebounds, and the go-ahead basket in the last minute. 

"Wala si Kuya Jayson [Castro], so I have to make good decisions, especially during end-game moments," said the former Letran Knights star. "At least, nag-pay off naman. I just went with the flow, and isa pang factor is yung tiwala ng teammates ko sa akin."

READ: Jayson Castro out for rest of season after suffering patellar tendon injury

Tied at 82 with under a minute left in the contest, Rey Nambatac hit a tough three-pointer to give TNT an 85-82 lead at the 30-second mark of the fourth frame. 

This came after Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, and Nambatac missed shots, but they managed to clean the glass with four offensive boards, with the last one eventually leading to Nambatac's biggest shot of the night.

RJ Abarrientos then committed a crucial turnover in Ginebra's next possession which led to an easy lay-in by Glenn Khobuntin, and this allowed the Tropang GIGA to extend their lead to five with only 13 ticks left.

Scottie Thompson kept Ginebra's hopes alive on the other end with his own three-pointer that brought them to within two, but it proved to be too late as TNT managed to seal the win in their next possession.

"Sabi ko sa players, be hard to guard," said Reyes of what their mentality was heading into this contest. 

"Hindi ka man maka take ng shots, but available for offensive rebounds. The most important offensive rebounds were the last [four[, and everybody went to their right spots," he added. 

To make matters worse for Ginebra, their beloved import Justin Brownlee had to make a premature exit after suffering an apparent dislocated finger on his right hand.

Brownlee suffered the injury after diving for a loose ball at the 6:42 mark of the third period, and he did not return to the game. He eventually left PhilSports before the game ended and was sent to the hospital. 

Despite the uncertainty of the Gilas Pilipinas star in Game 4, however, Reyes wants TNT to remain focused. 

"We don't know, but even without Brownlee, nakita niyo how tight that team is," said the former National Team mentor. 

"Without Justin, somebody is gonna step up, and they are gonna rely on their defense. This is not over by any means, so we have to be ready," he added.

Brownlee still led BGSM in scoring, putting up 19 points with six assists and four rebounds in 28 minutes of gameplay.

Thompson tried to hold the fort and finished with 15 markers, eight boards, five dimes, two steals, and a block, while Troy Rosario, Abarrientos, and Jamie Malonzo followed with 13, 13, and 11, respectively.     

The Scores: 

TNT 87 – Nambatac 24, Hollis-Jefferson 20, Oftana 16, Khobuntin 10, Pogoy 8, Erram 5, Aurin 4, Williams 0, Heruela 0.

Ginebra 85 – Brownlee 19, Thompson 15, Rosario 13, Abarrientos 13, Malonzo 11, J.Aguilar 6, Holt 5, Ahanmisi 3.

Quarterscores: 17-17, 42-48, 72-66, 87-85.