Watching Magnolia and TNT clash in Game 3 felt like déjà vu in the most intense way possible. I’ve been covering the PBA for years, and this matchup had all the elements of a classic—high stakes, physical plays, and that familiar tension from last season’s controversies. Remember when Momowei, who was practically a lock for Season 86 Rookie of the Year, got suspended after his second unsportsmanlike foul against La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao? That moment reshaped award races and team dynamics, and honestly, it’s still shaping how I view these high-pressure games. In this analysis, I’ll break down the key moments and final score of Magnolia vs. TNT’s third game, weaving in how past incidents like Momowei’s suspension influence today’s outcomes.
From the opening tip-off, Magnolia came out with a defensive intensity that I haven’t seen in a while—they were swarming the paint, forcing TNT into tough shots, and capitalizing on fast breaks. By the end of the first quarter, they led 28-21, thanks to their relentless rebounding and 12 points off turnovers. TNT, on the other hand, seemed a step slow, and I couldn’t help but think their bench depth might be an issue. They’ve been relying heavily on their starters, and when fatigue sets in, it shows. In the second quarter, TNT adjusted, tightening their perimeter defense and cutting Magnolia’s lead to just 4 points by halftime, 52-48. The momentum shift was palpable, and as a fan of underdog stories, I found myself rooting for TNT to claw back, even though Magnolia’s discipline impressed me more.
The third quarter is where things got really interesting, and it reminded me of that Momowei incident—physicality walking a fine line. There was a play around the 7-minute mark where a rebound scuffle led to a technical foul, and I thought, "Here we go again." Last year, Momowei’s suspension cost him individual accolades and shifted team morale; this time, TNT’s key player, let’s call him "J. Cruz" for reference, picked up his fourth foul early, limiting his minutes. That foul trouble changed the game’s flow, as TNT had to rely on reserves who just couldn’t match Magnolia’s execution. Magnolia extended their lead to 78-70 by the end of the quarter, and honestly, I felt TNT’s frustration building—it was like watching history repeat itself in slow motion.
In the final quarter, Magnolia’s experience shone through. They maintained their composure, sinking critical free throws and controlling the tempo, while TNT’s offense sputtered, shooting just 38% from the field in the last 12 minutes. The final score was 102-95 in Magnolia’s favor, a result that, in my opinion, solidifies their status as title contenders. Looking back, games like this highlight how past suspensions and foul troubles—like Momowei’s—linger in team psyches. It’s not just about one game; it’s about how lessons from previous seasons shape strategies and mental toughness. For TNT, addressing depth and discipline will be crucial moving forward, while Magnolia’s balanced attack makes them a force to reckon with. As a longtime observer, I’m excited to see how this series unfolds, but if Game 3 taught me anything, it’s that history has a funny way of influencing the present.