TNT gets better of last-second exchange as Jayson Castro 3 seals 2-1 semis lead vs. Magnolia

Jayson Castro had the last laugh over Mark Barroca as their exchange of potential game-winners was the main highlight of Game 3's final moments. Dennis Acosta
By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--TNT got the better end of a wild finale to Game 3 of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series against Magnolia as Jayson Castro's triple gave the former a 93-92 Sunday night win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

In a game that saw Mikey Williams getting limited to just 15 points, Castro provided the clutch help for the Tropang Giga, burying a contested three-pointer with 2.4 seconds left to steal the win from the Hotshots.

Magnolia thought they had it when Mark Barroca broke a 90-all deadlock with a tough layup with 9.8 seconds and TNT already out of timeouts.

However, Castro showed heart in the end, running the full length of the court and quickly shooting a pull-up trey that swished in to the delight of the Tropang Giga fans.

With the Hotshots also out of timeouts, Paul Lee settled for a halfcourt heave that only hit the backboard as the clock hit zeroes.

Poy Erram led TNT, now 2-1 up against Magnolia in the best-of-seven series, with 22 points, eight rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and three steals.

Castro added 16 points, two rebounds, and six assists off the bench.

Calvin Abueva led Magnolia with 18 points, five rebounds, and six assists, but he sat out the final 4:29 of the game as he incurred his sixth foul during that time.

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