TNT Tropang Giga kept their semifinal hopes alive in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup after edging the twice-to-beat NLEX Road Warriors, 96-93, in their quarterfinal clash on Wednesday, May 13, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Former NBA standout Bol Bol once again starred for TNT, finishing with 34 points and 14 rebounds to power the defending champions to the crucial victory.
While Bol delivered the numbers, rookie Sean Quitevis provided a spark on the defensive end in his first meaningful appearance for TNT. Though he went scoreless in 12 minutes of action, the former Ateneo Blue Eagles guard made his presence felt by hounding NLEX playmakers Robert Bolick and LJay Gonzales.
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Quitevis’ effort drew praise from TNT head coach Chot Reyes, who emphasized the rookie’s importance in filling the void left by injured veteran Jio Jalalon.
“Well, we need a guy to fill the shoes of Jio Jalalon because siya ‘yung sa amin na pume-pressure, maliit na makulit. He’s the one who can get in the face of the opposing team’s ball handlers. Towards the end of the eliminations, when it was clear na Jio won’t be ready for the playoffs, then we made that decision,” Reyes said during the postgame press conference.
Sean Quitevis expressed his gratitude for earning a bigger role with the TNT Tropang 5G, stepping up on defense during crucial moments in their PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal clash against the top-seeded NLEX Road Warriors. | via Aivan Episcope/One Sports pic.twitter.com/e2DUwC6dpx
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) May 14, 2026
Reyes revealed that TNT activated Quitevis just a day before their final elimination-round game against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, specifically to address defensive matchups against quick guards.
“We don’t have a matchup for guys like that. For RJ Abarrientos, for LJay Gonzales, very quick and very good players and ball handlers. So that’s the role that he plays for us,” he added.
TNT veteran Jayson Castro also commended Quitevis for staying ready despite spending most of the conference outside the main rotation.
“Even sa practice, sobrang ganda nung pina-practice ni Sean. Sobrang deserve niyang ma-lineup talaga. At the same time, ‘yun ‘yung mga guy na para sa amin, nag-compose ng energy namin.
“Kasi, always 100 percent sobrang positive niya. ‘Yung attitude niya, sobrang ganda. So, I think, ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit kami nanalo ngayon because of Sean,” Castro stated.
For Quitevis, the opportunity to contribute on the playoff stage remains surreal, but one he believes he prepared for through hard work and perseverance.
“Honestly, I still can’t comprehend what’s happening, but it’s kind of just flight or fight. Every time I’m on the floor, or coach calls my name, I’m just like, let’s go. I’m ready. I put in a lot of work with Better Basketball and I think this moment is just kind of just another day, another test for me and I’m just ready to put my whole heart on the floor,” Quitevis said.
Quitevis could once again play a key role as TNT looks to force its way into the semifinals when the Tropang Giga and Road Warriors meet in Game 2 on Saturday, May 16, at the Ynares Center.
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