Ginebra now on cusp of bubble title after bucking late TNT comeback

Japeth Aguilar is all alone for the jam. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Just when Ginebra thought it would cruise through a smooth sailing in Game 4 of the PBA Finals, TNT made a huge fourth quarter comeback.

Luckily for the Barangay, they recovered just in time.

Ginebra is now one win away from the league's only championship on the line this season after tripping TNT, 98-88, on Sunday night at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

After holding the Tropang Giga to just 14 first quarter points and scoring 32 of their own in the second quarter, the Barangay were on track of blowing them out with an 18-point cushion with 10:22 left.

However, RR Pogoy, with some help from his teammates, came alive later in the fourth quarter and helped TNT cut the lead down to just three, the last at 91-88 with 2:09 remaining.

However, an LA Tenorio three with 1:42 remaining sparked the game ending 7-0 run that helped Ginebra preserve the win.

Tenorio and Japeth Aguilar each scored 22 points for the Barangay, who can clinch the best-of-seven series in Game 5 on Wednesday night.

Scottie Thompson played super sub this time but still flirted with a triple-double after tallying 11 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists.

Pogoy finished with 34 points, four rebounds, six assists, and four steals for the Tropang Giga, but the explosion came up short as they are still reeling from the absence of the injured Ray-Ray Parks.

Worse, Jayson Castro injured himself as well in Game 4.

Poy Erram added 19 points, 16 rebounds, one assist, and two blocks.