Import Chris McCullough erupted for a career-high 42 points to power TNT Tropang Giga to a crucial Game 5 victory over the Meralco Bolts, moving within one win of the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals.
McCullough was unstoppable, shooting 15-of-23 from the field and 10-of-12 from the free-throw line, while also grabbing 14 rebounds. His dominant performance gave TNT a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven semifinal series.
"I just wanted to be aggressive and help my team get this win," McCullough said after the game. "We know Meralco is a tough team, but we stuck to our game plan."
Jayson Castro added 16 points and 7 assists, while RR Pogoy chipped in 14 points for TNT, which shot 48% from the field as a team.
Meralco's Allein Maliksi led his squad with 28 points, but the Bolts struggled to contain McCullough down the stretch. Game 6 is set for Friday, with TNT looking to close out the series.
"We have to stay focused and take it one game at a time," said TNT head coach Jojo Lastimosa. "Meralco will come out fighting, so we need to be ready."