McCullough's 42-Point Explosion Puts TNT One Win Away from Finals Return

Chris McCullough delivered a spectacular debut performance, erupting for 42 points to lift TNT Tropang 5G to a 103-95 victory over Meralco in Game 5 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner's Cup semifinals on Friday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Joining the team just two days before the contest, McCullough wasted little time making an impact, taking over in the fourth quarter with 17 points to propel TNT within one win of a return to the Finals.

With the score deadlocked at 83 entering the closing minutes, McCullough ignited a decisive 11-2 run by scoring eight consecutive points, highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers that gave TNT a commanding 94-85 lead with 5:22 remaining.

The former import continued his scoring spree with four more points as the Tropang 5G stretched their advantage to double digits. Jordan Heading then delivered the finishing touches, knocking down a triple and converting a driving layup to push the lead to 103-93 with just over a minute left, effectively securing the victory and a 3-2 series lead.

McCullough finished with 42 points and 11 rebounds, showing little rust despite a two-week layoff from competitive basketball.

“I just needed to get my legs under me,” McCullough said. “I had two weeks off from playing basketball, so I’m just happy to be back.”

Despite the impressive performance, the TNT reinforcement remained focused on the task ahead.

“Job’s not finished,” he added.

Roger Pogoy contributed 16 points, helping keep TNT within striking distance before the late-game surge, while Calvin Oftana chipped in 12 points, five assists, and two rebounds as the Tropang 5G continued to build chemistry with their new import.

TNT head coach Chot Reyes praised McCullough's quick adjustment to the team despite his limited preparation time.

“He’s getting acclimatized to his teammates and what we want to do,” Reyes said. “And just getting back to the swing of things in the PBA. This is a tough league.”

For Meralco, Patrick Gardner paced the offense with 25 points and 12 rebounds, adding two steals and two blocks despite battling foul trouble throughout the contest.

Gardner sparked a brief rally late in the game, scoring five straight points to help Meralco erase a deficit and knot the score at 83-all with less than eight minutes remaining. However, TNT quickly regained control behind McCullough's scoring outburst.

Cliff Hodge and Chris Banchero each finished with 12 points, while Aaron Black added 11. Chris Newsome and Javee Mocon chipped in 10 points apiece, but Meralco could not keep pace with TNT's late charge as the Tropang 5G moved to the cusp of another Finals appearance.