Glory or heartbreak

MANILA, Philippines — There’s really no other way to conclude this epic title confrontation than a Game 7 sudden death.

Forty-eight minutes – or more, if you consider the hunger, pride and strong resolve of the two high-quality, no-quit teams – to settle the score.

Throw away all past records. No more X’s and 0’s. This is now a matter of who would rise to the occasion amid heavy pressure, in front of an expected sellout crowd.

TNT, gunning for a repeat as PBA Commissioner’s Cup kingpin, or Barangay Ginebra, out to end a streak of heartbreaks at the hands of the former.

Only one will get to bask in glory when the dust settles in the final reckoning set at 7:30 p.m. at the MOA Arena.

The Tropang 5G dragged the Gin Kings to the explosive you-or-me tiff with a 98-90 victory in Sunday’s Game 6, where Chris McCullough (53 points, 22 rebounds) bested Ginebra counterpart Justin Brownlee (52 markers) in a 90s-style shootout.

“It’s the last game and I feel like both teams are going to leave it on the line,” said McCullough, looking for his second ring after previously steering San Miguel Beer to the diadem of the 2019 edition.

“At this point, our motivation is high, our momentum is good and we’re playing good team basketball but we still got to finish the job,” he added.

With Ginebra taking a 3-2 lead after its 100-95 overtime victory in Game 5 behind Brownlee’s 54, TNT found itself in a “twice-to-win situation” to keep the crown.

First part done.

“After we lost the overtime game last time, obviously we were pretty down in the dugout but I reminded them we’ve been here before,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes.

“We know how to do this and my only message was to clear their minds, clear their hearts and just put their best foot forward and whatever happens, happens. But we’re prepared for 96 minutes. Now there’s another 48 to be played,” he added.

Ginebra’s failed closeout in Game 6 brought back memories of last season’s finale, which saw them move on the hill after five matches only to lose to TNT twice and settle for runner-up.

But the Gin Kings are hell-bent on creating a golden ending this time.

NOTES: The PBA approved the trade between Magnolia and Titan that enabled the Hotshots to acquire the rights to Arvin Tolentino and the Giant Risers to get the rights to William Navarro. The deal also included second-round picks with Magnolia getting Titan’s selection for the Season 51 rookie draft in exchange for the Hotshots’ pick in the Season 52 draft. Tolentino isn’t expected to come on board soon as he’s still under contract with Korean club Seoul SK Knights. Navarro is a free agent after parting ways with Busan KCC Egis but is covered by the PBA’s three-year ban for players who left for overseas.