TNT rides on Mikey Williams explosion to take PBA Governors' Cup title from Ginebra

TNT finally wins a chip in the season-ending conference. Dennis Acosta

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY—Mikey Williams came alive in the eventual title clincher for TNT as he erupted for 38 points in a 97-93 win against Ginebra in Game 6 of the PBA Governors' Cup Finals on Friday night in front of 13,588 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Williams needed nine triples for his blast, including the go-ahead three with 1:15 left for a 95-93 lead, but he heaved a sigh of relief in the end as the Gin Kings failed to capitalize on his crucial free throw misses.

With 43.6 seconds left, Williams missed two free throws that could have given them a more comfortable cushion, even bizarrely air balling his second charity.

Justin Brownlee, however, lost the ball while driving for the layup, and Poy Erram secured the ball to give TNT the possession with 30.6 seconds remaining.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson could not finish off Ginebra as he missed a layup, and Jamie Malonzo sealed the rebound to give his team a chance to force overtime with 10 seconds left.

Brownlee, though, missed a short jumper, and Hollis-Jefferson finally sealed the title for the Tropang Giga with two free throws with 3.2 seconds left.

Williams also had seven rebounds and three assists for TNT, which won its first title in the season-ending conference and ninth overall.

Hollis-Jefferson added 29 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, and two steals as he finally won a professional basketball championship.

Brownlee led Ginebra, which lost the finals for the first time under head coach Tim Cone, with 29 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two blocks.

Jamie Malonzo, who helped will Ginebra's comeback from seven points down midway through the fourth quarter, added 21 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one block, while Scottie Thompson chipped in 20 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists.

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