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Category: Basketball

  • Painful lessons fuel CJ Cansino after career-high game turns into loss 

    Painful lessons fuel CJ Cansino after career-high game turns into loss 

    Meralco guard CJ Cansino had just authored the best scoring night of his young PBA career, yet the numbers offered little comfort after the Bolts’ 99–96 Game 5 loss to TNT, a defeat that ended both their semifinal run and Cansino’s first taste of postseason spotlight.

     

    He scored 36 points on an efficient 60-percent clip, a breakout performance that placed him squarely in the center of the moment. But basketball’s cruel timing meant that his misses came when they mattered most, and Meralco’s season slipped away in the final seconds.

     

    “Sobrang regret din. Andun na, e,” said the 26-year-old, still processing how close the Bolts came to extending the series.

     

    The night could have easily ended differently—and Meralco might not have even been in position to steal the win without Cansino’s fourth-quarter explosion. 

     

    He poured in 17 points in the final period, igniting a 20–5 run that erased a double-digit deficit and gave the Bolts a 95–91 lead with just 27 seconds remaining.

     

    For a moment, it looked like a coronation.

     

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    Instead, TNT leaned on its playoff pedigree. Rey Nambatac and Jordan Heading delivered under pressure, flipping the script with clutch execution to secure the Tropang 5G’s first Finals berth of the season-opening conference.

     

    The final possessions told the harshest story. Cansino lost the ball on a steal by Heading that led to the go-ahead basket. Moments later, Calvin Oftana blocked his attempt, and on Meralco’s last chance, a forced four-point try failed to connect.

     

    Cansino didn’t shy away from the responsibility.

     

    “Mabigat pero sobrang teaching moments sa akin ito. Laking opportunity na binigay sa akin na matuto ako sa ganitong bagay,” said Meralco’s first-round pick from the Season 49 draft.

     

    For all the regret, there was also clarity. This was Cansino’s first 30-point game in the PBA, achieved on the biggest stage of his career so far, in his first-ever semifinals appearance. The moment exposed both his ceiling—and the work still ahead.

     

    “Hindi man namin nakuha yung panalo, pero on the good side, the positive side, sobrang laking itinuro sa akin ng semis na ito.”

     

    It was a loss that stung deeply, but also one that redefined him. For CJ Cansino, the blood and heartbreak of Game 5 may end up marking the beginning of something bigger rather than the end of a season.

     

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  • Chot Reyes: “We are going to be underdogs” as TNT enters PBA finals

    Chot Reyes: “We are going to be underdogs” as TNT enters PBA finals

    The TNT Tropang Giga clinched a berth in the 2025 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals after edging the Meralco Bolts, 99–96, in Game 5 of their best-of-seven semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, January 14.

     

    Jordan Heading powered the Tropang Giga with a game-high 31 points, while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Calvin Oftana added 12 and 10 points, respectively, to secure the hard-fought victory. The win sends TNT to the finals for the fourth consecutive conference.

     

    Despite their consistency on the big stage, head coach Chot Reyes emphasized that TNT will enter the championship round as underdogs regardless of whether they face San Miguel or Barangay Ginebra.

     

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    “It’s going to be a big shift in mindset, because to be very honest coming into this series, we were slightly favored to win. But going into the next series, whether it’s San Miguel or Barangay Ginebra, we are going to be underdogs, obviously, because they have the size,” Reyes said in the postgame press conference.

     

    “We don’t have their size, their depth, their talent, and then the crowd support. But like Jordan said, that’s something we cannot control. Right now, our focus is going to be our rest and our recovery, and preparing as best we can while waiting for the result of the other series,” he added.

    TNT will have a brief respite before the finals begin, and Reyes is hoping the break gives Roger Pogoy enough time to recover from a left hamstring injury. Pogoy exited Game 4 clutching the hamstring and was sidelined for Game 5.

     

    “Hopefully, but you know how this pulled hamstring is, you know, that’s very unpredictable. It really is going to depend on how quickly he can heal,” Reyes noted.

     

    The veteran coach reiterated that TNT will not rush Pogoy back into action unless he is fully ready.

     

    “One thing that’s sure is that we are not going to rush him back. We are not going to rush him back. And we are going to play him when he is ready. We are not going to force the na medyo 50% or 60% okay siya. So we are not going to risk that.

     

    “It’s not only the healing of the muscle itself or whatever, but it’s also gaining back your strength on that leg. You have the ability to push off that, to put weight on it. So it’s not only the healing of the pulled muscle, the hamstring, but also the strengthening,” he concluded.

     

    The PBA has yet to release the finals schedule, and TNT now awaits the outcome of the other semifinal clash between Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel—an intense series poised to go down to the wire.

     

     

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  • PBA Semis: San Miguel takes Game 5, TNT punches finals ticket after twin semifinal thrillers 

    PBA Semis: San Miguel takes Game 5, TNT punches finals ticket after twin semifinal thrillers 

    The PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals delivered a night of tension, momentum swings, and championship-level poise—one series edging closer to its conclusion, the other ending in dramatic fashion.

     

    At the SMART Araneta Coliseum, San Miguel Beer moved within one win of the Finals, holding off a furious Barangay Ginebra rally for a 115–109 victory in Game 5 to seize a 3–2 edge in their best-of-seven series.

     

    For much of the night, the Beermen appeared in control, building what looked like a comfortable 111–99 lead late in the fourth quarter. But Ginebra refused to fold. A stepback triple by RJ Abarrientos with 13.4 seconds left sliced the margin to just two, turning what seemed like a settled game into a pressure cooker.

     

    The tension peaked moments later when CJ Perez missed both free throws, opening the door wider for a potential collapse. San Miguel survived the scare through hustle and experience. An offensive rebound kept possession alive, and June Mar Fajardo calmly knocked down two free throws to restore breathing room at 113–109 with 8.3 seconds remaining.

     

    On the next sequence, Chris Ross and the Beermen defense sniffed out a play designed for Abarrientos, forcing a crucial turnover. Marcio Lassiter then iced the game at the line with 1.1 seconds left, sealing a win defined as much by composure as talent.

     

    Fajardo led San Miguel with 21 points and 11 rebounds, continuing to assert himself despite lingering shoulder issues. Perez added 20 points, while Mo Tautuaa provided an unexpected spark with 18 points and nine rebounds.

     

    Lassiter chipped in 16 points, his best showing of the series, and Don Trollano added 13 as five Beermen finished in double figures. Ross filled the gaps with nine points, eight assists, and timely defensive plays.

     

    Ginebra’s comeback fell short, but not without a fight. Scottie Thompson posted 20 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, while Abarrientos tallied 18 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. Stephen Holt and Japeth Aguilar added 17 and 16 points, respectively, as the Kings showed the resilience that has defined their postseason identity.

     

    San Miguel now gets a chance to close out the series in Game 6 on Friday, January 16, once again at the Big Dome.

     

     

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    Earlier in the evening, the semifinals produced a finish just as dramatic—but with finality.

     

    TNT booked its fourth straight Philippine Cup Finals appearance, stunning Meralco with a 99–96 escape in Game 5 to wrap up the series, 4–1, through a breathtaking late-game surge powered by Jordan Heading and Rey Nambatac.

     

    Down 96–91 with only 27.7 seconds remaining, TNT looked finished. Nambatac had other plans. He buried a clutch four-point shot, then moments later, Heading jumped a passing lane, stole the ball from CJ Cansino, and finished a go-ahead layup that flipped the game on its head.

     

    Two more free throws by Nambatac and missed opportunities by Meralco on the other end completed the collapse, sending the Tropang 5G back to the Finals.

     

    Heading delivered a masterclass with 31 points on 11-of-20 shooting, along with three steals, including the decisive takeaway. Nambatac added 25 points, shooting efficiently and providing the composure TNT needed when the season was on the line.

     

    The comeback spoiled a career night from Cansino, who poured in 36 points and nearly dragged Meralco to victory. But his two late misses and a turnover in the final possessions proved costly after the Bolts had surged ahead behind a 20–5 run that turned an 86–76 deficit into a 95–91 lead.

     

    TNT’s path to the Finals was anything but straightforward. After racing to a 19–4 start, the Tropang 5G found themselves trailing 50–46 at halftime, then staring at elimination late before flipping the script in stunning fashion.

     

    The win sends TNT back to the Philippine Cup Finals after falling to San Miguel in last season’s championship series—setting the stage for a potential rematch, should the Beermen finish the job.

     

    With one Finals berth secured and another hanging in the balance, the PBA semifinals once again proved why the road to the title is rarely straightforward—and never short on drama.

     

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  • “Super surreal, super humbled”: LeBron James humbled by special edition patch honor on his jersey

    “Super surreal, super humbled”: LeBron James humbled by special edition patch honor on his jersey

    National Basketball Association (NBA) all-time scoring leader and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has received a unique tribute from the league in recognition of his unprecedented longevity and accomplishments across 23 seasons.

     

    Topps, one of the most iconic sports trading card companies, unveiled a special edition patch that LeBron will wear for the remainder of the 2025–26 NBA season. The commemorative emblem will be prominently featured on his Lakers jersey, serving as a season-long celebration of his sustained excellence and durability—an achievement rarely seen in NBA history.

     

    The design of the patch is symbolic: it incorporates blue, red, and yellow, representing the colors of the three NBA franchises LeBron has suited up for—the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers. The logo also includes the words “NBA seasons,” the number 23 (a nod to both his jersey number and total seasons played), and a silhouette of LeBron performing his iconic pre-game chalk toss.

     

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    James debuted the special patch during the Lakers’ 124–112 loss to the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center on Tuesday, January 13 (Philippine Standard Time). While the game did not result in a win, the moment still marked a significant milestone in LeBron’s storied career.

    Following the matchup, the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer reflected on the honor, expressing deep gratitude and emotion about the league’s gesture.

     

    “Just super cool. Super surreal. Super humbled. Blessed. I walked in here and seen it for the first time, and it was like an emotional moment as well. I just started thinking about the whole, from the beginning to where we are now. It’s been a heck of a journey,” LeBron said to the media.

     

    The tribute highlights the rare feat of remaining a productive and dominant basketball player well into one’s 40s—something LeBron has managed through dedication, conditioning, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With four NBA championships, multiple MVP awards, and countless records, his career continues to expand the limits of what longevity and sustained elite performance look like in professional sports.

     

    The commemorative patch is expected to become a sought-after collector’s item among fans and memorabilia enthusiasts, adding an extra layer of significance to LeBron’s 23rd season. As the Lakers continue their campaign, James’ on-court presence—paired with this special recognition—serves as a powerful reminder of the legacy he continues to build, one historic season at a time.

     

     

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  • Mavericks say Anthony Davis will not require surgery on hand injury

    Mavericks say Anthony Davis will not require surgery on hand injury

    What began as growing belief that the Dallas Mavericks’ star big man was headed for surgery ended with a very different conclusion Tuesday night, when the team announced that Davis will not require an operation on his injured left hand after seeking an evaluation from his own physician.

     

    The development capped a chaotic stretch of updates that unfolded throughout the day. Early reports suggested Davis would undergo surgery to repair ligament damage, potentially sidelining him for an extended period. Davis himself pushed back publicly, taking to X, formerly Twitter, to dispute the narrative.

     

    “Lies! But yall keep listening to them,” Davis wrote in one post.

     

    Hours later, Dallas clarified the situation, revealing that medical evaluation determined the injury should heal naturally in approximately six weeks without surgery. For a franchise already navigating uncertainty, the update offered clarity—if not full peace of mind.

     

    The timing remains delicate. According to ESPN, the Mavericks are still weighing trade scenarios involving Davis, particularly with the possibility that he could return later this season and help a contender. That reality underscores the complicated position Dallas finds itself in, balancing health, contracts, and long-term direction.

     

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    Davis sustained the injury last Thursday while defending Utah star Lauri Markkanen on a drive to the basket. He was visibly shaken on the play, clutching his hand before exiting with 2:08 remaining, and was unable to contest Markkanen’s next score. An MRI followed the next day, prompting Davis to seek multiple medical opinions before a final course of action was determined.

     

    All of this has unfolded less than a year into Davis’ tenure with the Mavericks, who acquired him in the highly scrutinized and ill-fated trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. Since arriving in Dallas, availability has once again become a storyline. Davis has appeared in just 29 games as a Maverick—nine last season and 20 this year.

     

    Now nearing his 33rd birthday in March, Davis remains one of the league’s highest-paid stars. He is earning $54.1 million this season, is owed $58.5 million next year, and holds a $62.8 million player option for the 2027–28 campaign.

     

    When healthy, his impact is undeniable. This season, Davis is averaging 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. Whether those numbers will again surface in a Mavericks uniform—or elsewhere—remains one of the NBA’s most closely watched questions as his recovery clock begins without surgery.

     

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  • NBA Roundup: Timberwolves Run Wild, Lakers Roll, Heat Hold Off Suns

    NBA Roundup: Timberwolves Run Wild, Lakers Roll, Heat Hold Off Suns

    It was a high-octane Wednesday night across the NBA, featuring statement wins, explosive offensive outings, and contenders flexing their muscle at home.

     

    In Miami, the Heat outlasted the Phoenix Suns, 127–121, riding a dominant first half and timely execution late. Miami poured in 71 first-half points, building separation early before Phoenix mounted a third-quarter surge behind Devin Booker, who flirted with a triple-double with 24 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. Still, Bam Adebayo anchored the Heat with 29 points and nine rebounds, steadying Miami whenever momentum threatened to swing. The Heat’s 35-point fourth quarter proved decisive as they protected home court.

     

    Houston continued its strong play at Toyota Center, edging the Chicago Bulls, 119–113, in a game that stayed tight until the final minutes. Alperen Şengün once again served as the Rockets’ offensive hub, finishing with 23 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists, while Houston’s balanced attack overwhelmed a career night from Tre Jones, who erupted for 34 points and seven assists for Chicago.

     

    The most lopsided result of the night came in Milwaukee, where the Minnesota Timberwolves dismantled the Bucks, 139–106. Minnesota exploded out of the gate with 76 first-half points, never allowing the Bucks to recover. Julius Randle led the charge with 29 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Milwaukee struggled to keep pace despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 25 points and eight boards. The Timberwolves’ offensive efficiency and depth overwhelmed a Bucks team searching for answers.

     

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    In New Orleans, the Denver Nuggets leaned on Jamal Murray’s scoring burst to escape with a 122–116 win over the Pelicans. Murray poured in 35 points with nine assists and three steals, taking control late as Denver pulled away in the fourth quarter. Trey Murphy III kept New Orleans competitive with 31 points, but Denver’s composure down the stretch proved the difference.

     

    Oklahoma City continued to assert itself as one of the West’s elite, cruising past the San Antonio Spurs, 119–98. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stuffed the stat sheet with 34 points and four blocks, dominating both ends as the Thunder’s third-quarter surge broke the game open. Rookie Stephon Castle led San Antonio with 20 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, but OKC’s depth and defensive pressure were too much.

     

    At Crypto.com Arena, the Los Angeles Lakers put on an offensive show, blowing past the Atlanta Hawks, 141–116. LeBron James turned back the clock yet again, recording 31 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists in a near triple-double performance. The Lakers dropped 81 points in the first half, effectively ending the contest early despite Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s 26 points for Atlanta.

     

    Golden State closed the night with a solid 119–97 win over the Portland Trail Blazers at Chase Center. The Warriors jumped out early and never looked back, leaning on collective effort rather than a single dominant scorer. Jimmy Butler III contributed 16 points and six rebounds, while Shaedon Sharpe paced Portland with 19 points in a losing effort.

     

    From wire-to-wire blowouts to late-game execution, Wednesday’s slate showcased the league’s growing separation between contenders and chasing packs—setting the tone for an increasingly intense midseason stretch.

     

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  • Tim Cone calls San Miguel “legendary,” stresses mental hurdle for Barangay Ginebra

    Tim Cone calls San Miguel “legendary,” stresses mental hurdle for Barangay Ginebra

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel roared back in emphatic fashion to even its best-of-seven semifinal series against longtime rival San Miguel Beermen, taking Game 4 with a commanding 105–91 victory on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The win not only restored Ginebra’s momentum in the tightly contested series but also highlighted the brilliance of star point guard Scottie Thompson, who delivered a historic performance.

     

    Thompson exploded for a career-high 35 points, while also recording 11 rebounds and 11 assists, completing a spectacular triple-double that showcased his all-around impact. Beyond his scoring, Thompson’s court vision, playmaking, and defensive presence allowed Ginebra to dominate on both ends of the floor. The point guard’s performance underscored why he is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and clutch players in the league, capable of carrying his team through high-pressure playoff games.

     

    While Thompson commanded the spotlight, wingman Jayson David provided a critical spark off the bench. Playing roughly 27 minutes, David chipped in 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting, along with three rebounds, three steals, and seven assists. His game-high plus-minus of +22 reflected the tangible impact he had on both ends of the court, helping Ginebra maintain control during key stretches and energize the team whenever the Beermen attempted to close the gap.

     

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    San Miguel, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm offensively. Star center June Mar Fajardo had an uncharacteristic night, scoring just nine points on 3-of-14 shooting. Despite his scoring woes, Fajardo still contributed a strong 20 rebounds and five assists, showing his usual presence on the glass and ability to facilitate his teammates. However, the Beermen’s reliance on Fajardo’s scoring proved costly, as Ginebra capitalized on their perimeter shooting and fast-break opportunities.

     

    Following the win, Ginebra head coach Tim Cone emphasized the challenge of facing a team of San Miguel’s caliber, praising their consistent excellence and legendary status in the league.

    “June Mar had a tough night. I didn’t know if it was his shoulders or what, but he was missing shots he normally takes. We will take that, whatever advantage we can get. They are a legendary team in the All-Filipino. June Mar is legendary, and it’s quite intimidating to play them,” Cone said in the post-match press conference.

     

    Cone elaborated on the depth and experience of the Beermen roster, noting the presence of multiple All-Stars and former champions.

     

    “There is Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, and CJ Perez, then June Mar. That’s a formidable team. Then you add Don Trollano and Jericho Cruz, so it’s really tough,” he added.

     

    The veteran coach admitted that the greatest challenge in facing San Miguel is not just talent but mentality—a lesson Ginebra learned the hard way during a seven-game Philippine Cup series in Season 49, when they fell to the Beermen in the semifinals.

     

    “The biggest problem we have with this team is just believing that we can beat them. That is the hardest thing for us to overcome. We need to internalize the idea that we can beat them, and that’s really the biggest battle we need to overcome,” Cone concluded, underscoring the psychological hurdle that accompanies taking on one of the league’s most decorated franchises.

     

    Ginebra’s Game 4 triumph not only evened the series at 2–2 but also sent a message that the Gin Kings are capable of matching San Miguel blow for blow. With the series shifting momentum and both teams vying for a crucial advantage, the remaining games promise to be highly competitive, showcasing the intensity, skill, and drama that have defined this longstanding PBA rivalry.

     

     

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  • Chris Newsome stays in the fight as Meralco faces do-or-die without star guard 

    Chris Newsome stays in the fight as Meralco faces do-or-die without star guard 

    Chris Newsome’s jersey never touched the floor in Game 4, but his voice never left the huddle.

     

    Sidelined by an MCL injury, the Meralco star was forced to watch as the Bolts absorbed a 102–83 loss to TNT in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. Yet even in street clothes, Newsome remained deeply involved, turning the bench into his temporary command post as Meralco tried to navigate life without one of its emotional and tactical anchors.

     

    “He’s still here. In spirit, huddles, he always talks to us. He tells us what to do. While he’s physically not on the court, he still talks to us for us to play well,” Brandon Bates said at Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday night.

     

    That presence mattered, even as the result didn’t go Meralco’s way.

     

    With Newsome unavailable, the Bolts leaned on balance scoring. Chris Banchero led the way with 19 points, CJ Cansino followed with 17, and Cliff Hodge matched that output while adding eight rebounds. The effort, however, wasn’t enough to stop TNT from taking a commanding 3–1 series lead.

     

     

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    “Obviously, when you lose one of your main guys, it’s always going to be difficult but you have to have that next man up mentality.” 

     

    For Raymond Almazan, Newsome’s value extends far beyond what shows up on the stat sheet.

     

    “He’s our leader, not just on the court but off it as well,” Almazan said. “These things happen, so somebody has to step up. We’re down 3-1, but this series isn’t over yet. We still believe we can push it to Game 7.”

     

    Almazan finished with seven points and seven rebounds, a modest line that reflected a team still searching for answers while refusing to fold.

     

    Now facing elimination, Meralco turns its focus to Game 5 on Wednesday at Araneta Coliseum. Whether or not Newsome can return remains uncertain, but one thing is already clear: even sidelined, he remains central to how the Bolts fight to keep their season alive.

     

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  • “Walang trade”: Dennis Pineda clears the air on Alec Stockton’s future with Converge

    “Walang trade”: Dennis Pineda clears the air on Alec Stockton’s future with Converge

    The Converge FiberXers enjoyed a respectable run in the ongoing 2025 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup, reaching the quarterfinals and showing flashes of their potential as one of the league’s rising squads. However, their campaign came to an abrupt and painful end after a heartbreaking loss to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel—despite carrying a twice-to-beat advantage.

     

    Converge’s quarterfinal exit was punctuated by a dramatic finish that continues to be discussed by fans and analysts. With the FiberXers holding a slim lead late in their do-or-die matchup, guard Alec Stockton committed a crucial foul on Ginebra’s Jeremiah Gray, who was attempting a three-pointer. Gray calmly sank all three free throws, forcing the game into overtime, where Ginebra eventually pulled away and secured the win.

     

    Following the defeat, speculation quickly emerged regarding Stockton’s future with the franchise, with some questioning whether the late-game blunder might trigger roster changes. However, Converge head coach Dennis Pineda moved to silence trade rumors during an appearance on Snow Badua’s “No Cooking Show” podcast, addressing the situation head-on.

     

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    “Walang trade. Naeepektuhan ang mga players at naapektuhan ang samahan ng team,” Pineda said, making it clear that the organization has no plans to move Stockton and emphasizing the importance of maintaining team chemistry and morale.

    Despite the disappointment, Pineda expressed pride in his squad’s overall performance throughout the Philippine Cup. Converge—one of the younger teams in the league—finished fourth in the eliminations with an impressive 7–4 win-loss record. Their competitive showing against top-tier opponents highlighted the group’s growth and potential moving forward.

     

    “Nakita ko ang attitude ng team, wala pong sumuko. Di n’yo nakita na nag-give up ang team, determinado na manalo. Mga bagito, pero nakapag-bigay po kami ng saya. Maganda ang Game Two vs. Barangay Ginebra,” he added, commending his players for their resilience and fighting spirit even in the toughest moments.

     

    Pineda, who previously served as Governor of Pampanga from 2013 to 2019, also addressed another lingering topic: the status of Dave Ildefonso, whose potential move to Converge has been widely discussed. The coach confirmed that Ildefonso will honor his existing contract with the Abra Solid North Weavers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) before any formal transfer can take place.

     

    “I need to respect ‘yung kontrata n’ya with Abra,” Pineda concluded, reinforcing the team’s commitment to professionalism and transparent dealings with players and partner organizations.

     

     

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  • “We know Meralco will come back really hard”: Inside Chot Reyes’ mindset ahead of Game 5

    “We know Meralco will come back really hard”: Inside Chot Reyes’ mindset ahead of Game 5

    The TNT Tropang Giga moved to within a single victory of clinching a coveted berth in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals after dismantling the Meralco Bolts, 102–83, in a commanding Game 4 performance on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. With the win, TNT seized a 3–1 advantage in the best-of-seven semifinal showdown, placing enormous pressure on a Meralco squad now desperately seeking answers.

     

    Poy Erram delivered what was arguably his most dominant outing of the conference, spearheading TNT’s interior attack with 27 points on a hyper-efficient 9-of-11 clip. The veteran big man added nine rebounds and two assists, imposing his presence on both ends of the floor and setting the tone early. His energy and aggressiveness helped the Tropang Giga establish control from the opening quarter, forcing Meralco into difficult looks and limiting their ability to generate momentum.

     

    Complementing Erram’s strong performance were Jordan Heading and Calvin Oftana, who chipped in 15 and 14 points, respectively. Their perimeter scoring provided TNT with the offensive balance needed to keep the Bolts scrambling defensively throughout the night. With multiple players stepping up amid the team’s injury setbacks, TNT executed with precision and composure, refusing to allow Meralco any significant run.

     

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    Despite holding a significant series lead and appearing to gain rhythm at the most crucial stretch of the playoffs, TNT head coach Chot Reyes cautioned against overconfidence. He emphasized that the Tropang Giga are preparing for Meralco’s urgency and intensity in the upcoming matchup.

    “We have no illusions that this is going to be an easy series. We know Meralco will come back really hard. After the last game, when we lost the series and the series was 2-1, we already expected that it would be tough,” Reyes said in a media interaction.

     

    Reyes’ concern is amplified by TNT’s ongoing injury woes. The team continues to navigate the absence of several key contributors, including Roger Pogoy (hamstring), Rey Nambatac (ankle), and Kelly Williams (illness). Pogoy’s condition is particularly troubling for the Tropang Giga, with indications that the sharpshooter may miss the remainder of the semifinal series should it extend to a full seven games.

     

    “Hopefully, Rey heals and recovers, same thing with Roger. So right now, our focus is rest. As coaches, it’s our job to anticipate whatever adjustments they make for the next game,” Reyes added, underscoring the need for strategic preparation and internal adjustments.

     

    With manpower concerns and the Bolts expected to push back with urgency in an elimination scenario, Reyes has called on his remaining rotation to elevate their efforts both physically and mentally. He reiterated that the team must maintain discipline and avoid any hint of complacency heading into the potentially series-clinching encounter.

     

    “We need to be ready for a huge battle in Game 5. We just have to continue figuring things out. It’s now up to the others to fill that void,” Reyes concluded.

     

    TNT will now look to capitalize on the opportunity to close out the series when the semifinal duel resumes on Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao. A win would send the Tropang Giga back to the Philippine Cup Finals and keep their championship aspirations firmly within reach, while a Meralco victory would shift momentum and extend what has already been an intense and physically demanding series.

     

     

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