WATCH: Magnolia vs TNT LAST 2 MINUTES [Finals Game 3 | 2021 Philippine Cup | Oct. 24, 2021]

Magnolia showed its big heart and fought into contention in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals with a 106-98 victory in Game 3 Sunday at the Don Honorio Ventura State U Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Beaten badly in the first two games, the Hotshots dug deep and mustered the needed energy, intensity and effort to stop the Tropang Giga from building a huge 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Coach Chito Victolero and his troops have a chance to equalize in Game 4 Wednesday.

The Hotshots turned the tables on the Tropag Giga in Game 3 by pounding it hard inside to counter TNT’s three-point shooting and buck Mikey Williams’ 39-point explosion.

The TNT super rookie went 10-of-18 from the arc – the most by any player in PBA Finals.

But even with William’s big game, the Hotshots felt their defense made a big difference.

“Tingin ko we played defense better than we did in the first two games. Importante yung mindset. Sabi namin remember what brought us here – depensa. At talagang dumepensa kami ng husto,” said Victolero.

Paul Lee fired 21 points while Ian Sangalang put in 20 to lead a balanced Magnolia attack that also saw Mark Barroca, Calvin Abueva and Jio Jalalon toss in at least 11 apiece.