MANILA - The Magnolia Hotshots survived a record-setting performance by TNT rookie Mikey Williams to win Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, 106-98, on Sunday night at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
According to PBA statistician Fidel Mangonon III, Williams tallied the highest-scoring game by a rookie in the PBA Finals since Erik Menk scored 42 points for Tanduay in the 1999 All-Filipino Cup against Shell. His 10 3-pointers were also the most in a Finals game. "Sabi ko nga sa kanila, we're here in the finals because of our defense. So, we just go back to basics," he added.
The Hotshots scored the first 13 points of the fourth quarter to open up a 95-77 lead, their biggest of the game. However, Williams sparked TNT's comeback, helped along by Magnolia's fouls that allowed the Tropang GIGA to earn free points at the line. TNT gave itself a chance when Dave Marcelo knocked down a three-pointer off a timeout, but dela Rosa and Sangalang were steady at the free throw line to ice the game.
Magnolia, after shooting just 39% in Game 3, made 50% of their field goals this time around, and scored 23 points from TNT's 17 turnovers. They were also helped by their superb free throw shooting as the Hotshots knocked down 27 of their 29 freebies in the game.
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