Jayson Castro sinks game-winner as TNT survives Magnolia for 2-1 series lead

Jayson Castro, again, showed his veteran poise as he sank a game-winner for TNT Tropang Giga against the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, 93-92, on Sunday in Game 3 of the best-of-seven semis series of the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It was a neck-and-neck affair in the final period, with the game being deadlocked at 90-apiece with less than a minute left. Mark Barroca then made a jump shot at the 11-second mark to get the lead for the Hotshots. However, it was Castro who had the last laugh as he connected from beyond the arc moments before the final buzzer to claim the 2-1 series lead.

TNT had the lead at 47-41 at the end of the first half, before the Hotshots countered with 32 points against the Tropang Giga's 19 to retake the lead, 73-66, at the end of the third period.

Poy Erram proved to be crucial as well in the game as he tallied 22 markers on top of eight boards, while Castro made 16 points, six assists, and two rebounds. Mikey Williams registered a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists, while Glenn Khobuntin flirted with the double-double with 15 points of his own on top of nine boards.

Calvin Abueva, who fouled out in the middle of the final period, had 18 points, six boards, and five assists. Ian Sangalang had 17 points, nine rebounds, and three assists before also fouling out.

Game 4 of the series will be played on Wednesday.

The scores:

TNT 93 –Erram 22, Castro 16, Khobuntin 15, M.Williams 15, Rosario 8, Pogoy 7, K.Williams 7, Montalbo 3, Reyes 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0.

Magnolia 92 –Abueva 18, Sangalang 17, Barroca 15, Dionisio 10, Dela Rosa 9, Lee 9, Wong 6, Jalalon 4, Corpuz 2, Laput 2, Escoto 0.

Quarters: 18-24, 47-41, 66-73, 93-92.

—JMB, GMA News