For most of the conference, TNT Tropang 5G spent more time searching for the right lineup than building momentum.
Injuries repeatedly disrupted the defending champions’ rhythm, forcing coach Chot Reyes to shuffle combinations and adjust roles almost every game. But now, at the most important stretch of the season, TNT finally appears complete — and that reality may have created an even bigger problem for Meralco heading into Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tropang 5G struck first in the series with a 94-89 win in Game 1, but more than the result itself, it was how TNT looked that raised concern for the Bolts.
For the first time in weeks, the defending champions played with their preferred core fully available — and the difference immediately showed.
Bol Manute Bol controlled the interior with 37 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and six blocks, while Calvin Oftana, Roger Pogoy, Rey Nambatac, and Jordan Heading gave TNT the spacing, shot-making, and versatility it lacked earlier in the conference.
According to Reyes, this was the version of TNT they had envisioned all along.
“That’s really a lineup we like going to because it’s pretty hard to match up and defend that lineup,” said Reyes.
“We were struggling the whole conference trying to find that combination and that balance. But remember we were never fully healthy in the eliminations,” he added.
“So, we were really not able to put in the lineup that we want together. Fortunately, as the eliminations wound down, we got Roger back to a hundred percent healthy and I think what you’re seeing now is being able to finally put the combinations that we want together.”
The timing could not have been better for TNT.
After missing eight elimination-round games, Pogoy looked fully locked in during the playoff opener, finishing with 21 points and nine rebounds while also helping slow down Meralco’s perimeter attack. Oftana added a double-double with 14 points and 11 boards, while Heading provided another offensive spark off the bench with 16 markers.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.
#PBA50CommsCupSEMIS best-of-7 FRIDAY, May 22 schedule at MOA ARENA brought to us by @PocariSweatPH
5:15 PM
RAIN OR SHINE Elasto Painters vs. BARANGAY GINEBRA San Miguel
— PBA (@pbaconnect) May 21, 2026
But the biggest issue for Meralco remains Bol.
The 7-foot-3 import dominated both ends despite struggling from the free throw line, where he shot just 5-of-13. Even then, his impact completely changed the complexion of the game, particularly inside where TNT overwhelmed the Bolts, 56-42, in points in the paint.
That interior advantage effectively erased Meralco’s edge from the perimeter and exposed one of the team’s biggest concerns entering Game 2 — its inability to consistently contain TNT near the basket.
The Bolts also struggled to find offensive rhythm themselves.
Import Marvin Jones still managed 22 points and 14 rebounds, but he missed his first seven attempts and never fully established control offensively. Chris Newsome was limited to just 11 points, while CJ Cansino, one of Meralco’s reliable scorers this conference, finished with only 12 after dealing with Pogoy’s defense for most of the night.
Oddsmakers also appear to be leaning toward TNT heading into the second game of the series. According to OKBet Sportsbook, the Tropang 5G enter Game 2 as slight favorites with 1.73 odds, while Meralco is listed at 2.07 as the underdog. The over/under for the matchup has been set at 195.0, signaling expectations of another tight and physical battle between the two semifinal contenders.
Meralco now heads into Friday’s matchup facing the possibility of falling into a dangerous 0-2 hole.
And unlike earlier in the conference when TNT was still trying to figure itself out, the Bolts are suddenly dealing with a Tropang 5G side that may finally be whole at exactly the right time.
Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!
Leave a Reply