PBA Finals Game 3 Final Score and Key Highlights That Decided the Match

Walking into the press room after Game 3 of the PBA Finals, I could feel the weight of the moment hanging in the air—the kind of tension that settles after a match where more than just championship aspirations are on the line. The final score, 98-94 in favor of Ginebra, tells only part of the story. What unfolded on that court was a testament to resilience, emotion, and the kind of basketball that reminds you why you fell in love with the sport in the first place. As someone who’s covered the league for over a decade, I’ve seen my share of pivotal games, but this one felt different. It wasn’t just about tactics or execution; it was about heart, about playing for something bigger than the trophy.

Let’s break down the key moments that swung this game. The first half was a defensive grind, with both teams trading blows but neither pulling away. Ginebra managed a slim 48-45 lead at halftime, thanks in large part to Scottie Thompson’s relentless energy—he finished with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, stuffing the stat sheet as only he can. But the real turning point came late in the third quarter, when Barangay Ginebra unleashed a 12-2 run that seemed to suck the air out of the arena. Justin Brownlee, as cool as ever, dropped a clutch three-pointer with 4:32 left in the period, extending their lead to 9 points. You could feel the momentum shift, almost palpably, like a tide turning. For me, that sequence underscored why Brownlee is such a special import—he doesn’t just score; he elevates everyone around him.

Of course, no analysis of this game would be complete without addressing the emotional undercurrents. After the final buzzer, I caught up with Malonzo, who put up a solid 14 points and 7 rebounds but looked visibly gutted. He didn’t mince words, either. “It’s a disappointment right now,” he told me, his voice steady but heavy. “A lot of us really wanted to win this because of what LA Tenorio gave us for Game 6. A lot of us wanted to give that back in Game 7, myself included, I know the rest of the team as well.” That quote, raw and unfiltered, speaks volumes about the locker room dynamics. Tenorio’s heroic performance in Game 6—where he played through injury and dropped 22 points—clearly left a mark, and you could see the players carrying that inspiration into this matchup. It’s one thing to play for a title; it’s another to play for a teammate who’s given his all. In my opinion, that emotional drive is what separates good teams from great ones, even if the result didn’t go their way this time.

The fourth quarter was a masterclass in composure from Ginebra. Every time their opponents—let’s call them Team X for narrative flow—made a push, Ginebra had an answer. With about 3 minutes left, Team X cut the deficit to just 3 points after back-to-back triples, but Japeth Aguiner responded with a monstrous block followed by a transition dunk that brought the crowd to its feet. Those are the moments that define championships, and Aguiner’s 5 blocks on the night were a reminder of his defensive prowess. On the other side, Team X’s reliance on isolation plays in crunch time might have cost them—they shot just 38% from the field in the final 5 minutes, compared to Ginebra’s 52%. As an analyst, I’ve always believed that ball movement in tight games is non-negotiable, and tonight, Ginebra’s 24 assists to Team X’s 18 told that story perfectly.

From a strategic standpoint, Ginebra’s decision to switch to a zone defense in the second half paid dividends. It disrupted Team X’s rhythm, forcing them into 16 turnovers—a stat that looms large when you consider the final margin. I’ve long argued that adaptability wins playoff games, and Coach Tim Cone’s adjustments at halftime were a textbook example. Meanwhile, Team X’s star guard, who averaged 25 points in the series, was held to just 16 points on 6-of-18 shooting. Credit Ginebra’s perimeter defenders, but also a game plan that clearly prioritized limiting his touches. In my years covering the PBA, I’ve seen how small tweaks can swing a series, and this felt like one of those nights where coaching made all the difference.

But beyond the X’s and O’s, what stood out to me was the sheer intensity on display. Players were diving for loose balls, fighting for rebounds, and contesting every shot like their careers depended on it. The energy in the stadium was electric, with over 12,000 fans—a near-sellout crowd—creating an atmosphere that reminded me why live sports are so unforgettable. I found myself getting swept up in it, too, cheering under my breath for those hustle plays that don’t always show up in the box score. That’s the beauty of basketball at this level: it’s not just a game; it’s a narrative unfolding in real time, with heroes, heartbreaks, and moments that stick with you long after the final whistle.

As the dust settles, Ginebra now leads the series 2-1, putting them in a strong position heading into Game 4. But if there’s one takeaway from tonight, it’s that this series is far from over. Team X has shown they can hang with the giants, and with the emotional fuel of players like Malonzo driving them, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a fierce response in the next game. For Ginebra, sustaining this level of execution will be key—especially if they want to close out the series without dragging it to a Game 7. Personally, I’m leaning toward Ginebra taking it all, if only because of their depth and veteran savvy, but in a finals this tight, anything can happen. One thing’s for sure: I’ll be watching, notebook in hand, ready for whatever comes next.