Nambatac's buzzer-beater saves Tropang 5G in comeback win over FiberXers

Rey Nambatac knocked down a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer as TNT rallied from an early deficit to edge Converge, 110-107, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors' Cup on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

With the score tied at 107-all in the closing seconds, the Tropang 5G cleared the floor for Nambatac, who buried a contested triple over the outstretched defense to lift TNT to its second win of the conference.

The victory improved the Tropang 5G to 2-2, ending a two-game losing streak after they recovered from a disastrous start that saw Converge open the contest with a 16-0 run.

Nambatac finished with a game-high 30 points, carrying the offensive load after TNT lost guards Jordan Heading and RR Pogoy to injuries during the game.

"We could have folded when we lost Jordan, and when we lost Roger. Still, the guys continued playing," said TNT head coach Chot Reyes.

Reyes also praised the contributions of his reserves, particularly Tyrus Hill and Paul Varilla, who helped keep the Tropang 5G afloat.

"Nakita niyo naman, ang lalim na ng baul na hinatak ko si Tyrus Hill, sina Paul Varilla, but they contributed, and allowed this guy beside me to come up with his endgame heroics," Reyes said, referring to Nambatac.

Heading scored 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting before exiting late in the third quarter, helping TNT erase its early deficit.

Glenn Khobuntin anchored the frontcourt with 12 points and 11 rebounds, including a crucial putback that gave TNT a 104-103 lead with 1:04 remaining.

Converge import Jamaal Franklin answered with four consecutive free throws to briefly put the FiberXers back in front before Nambatac delivered the decisive shot.

Darius Days finished with 10 points on 4-of-19 shooting in what proved to be his final game for TNT. The Tropang 5G have since replaced him with Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson.

Reyes admitted Days was no longer the same player who previously suited up for the franchise.

"Darius is not the Darius Days that we had a couple of years back. He's completely out of shape, overweight, and I think it shows in his game. And obviously, it's affecting the game of the locals," Reyes said.

Hollis-Jefferson is expected to make his return on Aug. 1 when TNT faces San Miguel Beer at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Converge, meanwhile, dropped its second straight game after opening the conference with three consecutive victories.

Franklin paced the FiberXers with 30 points and five rebounds in his return, while Justine Baltazar posted 21 points and 11 rebounds. Mikey Williams added 17 points in the loss.