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Tag: Chot Reyes

  • “Playing 48 solid minutes”: Chot Reyes explains TNT’s winning formula in Game 4

    “Playing 48 solid minutes”: Chot Reyes explains TNT’s winning formula in Game 4

    Three nights after a collapse that threatened to tilt the series permanently out of their grasp, TNT Tropang 5G stormed back into the PBA Finals with urgency etched into every possession—and made sure San Miguel Beer felt it immediately, emphatically, and without reprieve.

     

    From the opening tip of Game 4 on Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, TNT played like a team intent on erasing the sting of its previous defeat. The Tropang 5G unloaded a ferocious 13-0 run to start the contest, seizing control before the Beermen could settle in. By the end of the first quarter, TNT had already built a commanding 35-18 advantage, forcing San Miguel into early damage control.

     

    Any hopes of a Beermen response quickly unraveled in the second quarter. TNT doubled down on its aggression—pushing the tempo, spacing the floor, and capitalizing on every defensive lapse. The result was a stunning 65-40 halftime lead that drained the Finals atmosphere long before the break. What was expected to be a tightly contested swing game instead turned into a one-sided showcase of TNT’s firepower and focus.

     

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    The Tropang 5G were relentless. Their lead swelled to as much as 35 points, effectively turning the second half into a formality. When the final buzzer sounded, TNT’s 110-87 rout not only evened the race-to-four championship series at 2-2, but also reset the Finals into what now amounts to a best-of-three showdown.

     

    TNT head coach Chot Reyes, long associated with the rallying cry “Puso” during his tenure with Gilas Pilipinas, downplayed any dramatic pregame speeches. Instead, the veteran tactician emphasized execution and consistency as the true difference in Game 4.

    “Not at all. Playing 48 solid minutes every game is all we want to do since this series started. That was our problem in the two losses – we started bad and had a hard time the rest of those games,” Reyes said in a press conference.

     

    Reyes pointed to the stark contrast between Games 3 and 4, particularly in how TNT managed momentum and leads—an area that had cost them dearly just days earlier.

     

    “We were very different in Game 4. In Game 3, we were down 17 at one point, went on to lead by 11, so that’s a plus-28 for us. If we can take care of leads, we can spare ourselves endgames like that of Game 3,” he added.

     

    The reference was impossible to miss. In Game 3, TNT appeared poised to seize a 2-1 series lead after going up 89-86 in the final 50 seconds, only to watch San Miguel’s CJ Perez erupt for seven straight points to steal the win in heartbreaking fashion.

     

    “If we had taken care of that plus-28, there wouldn’t have been a final minute opportunity for San Miguel like that for Game 3,” Reyes concluded.

     

    With momentum swinging back in their favor and the series now deadlocked, Reyes will be looking for his squad to carry over the discipline and intensity from Game 4 into the pivotal Game 5. That contest is scheduled for Friday, January 30, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo—where both teams will vie to take control of what has suddenly become a brand-new Finals series.

     

     

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  • Chot Reyes urges full belief as injury-hit TNT prepares for PBA finals

    Chot Reyes urges full belief as injury-hit TNT prepares for PBA finals

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

     

    With the win, TNT advanced to the finals for the fourth consecutive conference, further cementing its reputation as one of the league’s enduring powerhouses.

     

    Jordan Heading spearheaded the Tropang Giga’s charge with a game-high 31 points, delivering a dominant all-around performance and once again showcasing his value as one of TNT’s most dependable offensive weapons. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser added 12 points, while Calvin Oftana chipped in 10, providing timely scoring and defensive stability in a tightly contested affair. TNT’s poise and execution in the closing minutes ultimately proved decisive against a Meralco side that refused to back down.

     

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    However, the victory came with a significant concern heading into the finals. Roger Pogoy, TNT’s top perimeter scorer and a key defensive presence, remains sidelined due to a lingering left hamstring injury. Pogoy was unable to finish Game 5 and has been ruled out for at least the opening games of the championship series.

     

    Despite the setback, head coach Chot Reyes stressed that belief and mindset will be crucial as TNT prepares for another finals appearance.

    “I feel that if we are coming into this series with less than 100 percent belief, then we have no chance. It starts from there. We have to have the belief that regardless of who’s healthy or not, we are going to come out and play our best game,” Reyes said during the pre-match press conference.

     

    “It doesn’t bother us too much. It doesn’t affect our belief whether we have Jayson Castro and Roger. They are a big, big part of our team. But in terms of our belief, it doesn’t bother us too much,” he added.

     

    TNT is no stranger to adversity on the sport’s biggest stage. Last season, the Tropang Giga faced eventual champions San Miguel in the Philippine Cup Finals without Poy Erram and still managed to put up a strong fight. Reyes acknowledged that the Beermen, should they advance, would enter the series as favorites given their experience and depth.

     

    “The problem is, even if we bring out our best game, it’s not a guarantee that we will beat a team as strong as San Miguel. In the end, that’s all we can do. All we can do is do our best. If that happens to be enough, then so be it,” Reyes concluded.

     

    With Pogoy sidelined, TNT is expected to lean more heavily on Heading, Ganuelas-Rosser, Oftana, and its supporting cast to shoulder the scoring load while maintaining defensive intensity. Reyes emphasized the need for tactical adjustments and rotation changes to offset the absence of their star guard.

     

    The Philippine Cup Finals are set to tip off on Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where TNT will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. As the Tropang Giga chase another title, their depth, resilience, and collective belief will be put to the ultimate test.

     

    TNT fans will be watching closely, hopeful for Pogoy’s return later in the series, but confident that even without him, the Tropang Giga possess the talent, experience, and leadership to compete at the highest level.

     

     

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  • Chot Reyes confirms Roger Pogoy will miss start of PBA finals with left hamstring injury

    Chot Reyes confirms Roger Pogoy will miss start of PBA finals with left hamstring injury

    The TNT Tropang Giga punched their ticket to the 2025 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals after a thrilling 99–96 victory over the Meralco Bolts in Game 5 of their best-of-seven semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, January 14. With the win, TNT advances to the finals for the fourth consecutive conference, solidifying their status as one of the league’s perennial powerhouses.

     

    The Tropang Giga were led by Jordan Heading, who exploded for a game-high 31 points, dominating both ends of the floor and proving once again why he is considered one of TNT’s most reliable offensive weapons. Supporting him, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Calvin Oftana contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively, providing crucial scoring depth and defensive stability in a tightly contested matchup. TNT’s ability to execute in clutch moments ultimately separated them from a resilient Meralco squad that pushed them to the limit throughout the game.

     

    Despite the celebratory mood, TNT faces a significant setback heading into the finals: the absence of Roger Pogoy, the team’s best perimeter scorer and a stalwart defender. Pogoy has yet to recover from the left hamstring injury that forced him out of Game 5 and has now been confirmed to miss at least the opening games of the finals.

     

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    Head coach Chot Reyes, speaking on Power & Play, admitted that Pogoy’s recovery timeline is uncertain and expressed caution regarding the star guard’s return.

    “It’s very unpredictable. It doesn’t look good to be very honest about it. Alam mo ‘yung hamstring muscle, hindi naman ‘yan nate-therapy. It’s just rest and recovery. I don’t see him playing at least in the first two games. I would be really surprised kung makalaro siya,” Reyes said.

     

    He added, “So we are praying mapabilis ‘yung kanyang recovery, yung healing process. But like we said, there is nothing we can do about it. Hindi yan puwedeng strengthen, hindi ‘yan puwedeng palaksin.”

     

    The 33-year-old Pogoy reinjured his hamstring in Game 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena, where he could only log 64 seconds in the first quarter before limping out, a stark reminder of the fragility of hamstring injuries in professional basketball. When healthy, Pogoy has been an integral component of TNT’s system, averaging 13.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over the four semifinals games he played. He also ranks among TNT’s top four free-throw shooters at 80 percent, underscoring his value in high-pressure situations.

     

    With Pogoy sidelined, TNT will likely rely even more on Heading, Ganuelas-Rosser, Oftana, and other role players to carry the offensive load and maintain defensive intensity. Coach Reyes emphasized that the team must adjust its rotations and strategy to compensate for the temporary absence of their star guard.

     

    The Philippine Cup Finals are set to tip off on Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where TNT will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. The series promises to test TNT’s depth and resilience, as they aim to capture another championship while navigating the challenge of a key player sidelined during the crucial opening games.

     

    TNT fans will be watching closely, hopeful that Pogoy can return sooner rather than later, but aware that even without him, the Tropang Giga have the talent, experience, and leadership to compete at the highest level.

     

     

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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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  • “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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  • Chot Reyes hopes TNT will avoid another poor start in Game 2 of the PBA semifinals

    Chot Reyes hopes TNT will avoid another poor start in Game 2 of the PBA semifinals

    TNT Tropang Giga seized the early upper hand in their best-of-seven semifinal duel, pulling off a hard-earned 100-95 comeback victory over the Meralco Bolts in Game 1 on Sunday, January 4, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The win, however, was anything but smooth. TNT had to claw back from a disastrous first half that saw the team fall behind by as many as 21 points. Meralco controlled the opening quarters with crisp ball movement and suffocating defense, building a commanding 52-31 advantage at halftime and appearing firmly in charge of the series opener.

     

    Tropang Giga head coach Chot Reyes took responsibility for the sluggish start but expressed confidence that his squad would open stronger in Game 2.

     

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    “Hopefully in Game 2, we are more ready to play from the start. I don’t think we can bring this kind of game again and expect to come up with the same result. We have to definitely be better in Game 2,” Reyes said in the prematch press conference.

    Reyes’ halftime adjustments paid dividends as TNT stormed out of the locker room with renewed energy and urgency. The Tropang Giga tightened up defensively and found their rhythm on offense, with Roger Pogoy and Rey Nambatac igniting the rally. The duo combined for 18 points in the pivotal third quarter, where TNT outscored Meralco 28-13 to erase most of the deficit and shift momentum heading into the final period.

     

    Calvin Oftana then delivered a poised, star-caliber finish. The versatile forward tallied a game-high 28 points, capping his performance with two clutch free throws that extended TNT’s lead to 98-95 with just 21.1 seconds left. Oftana’s steadiness on both ends helped fend off Meralco’s late-game push.

     

    Despite securing the crucial 1-0 lead, Reyes remained cautious of the Bolts’ competitiveness moving forward.

     

    “We told them, put yourselves in the position of Meralco. Put yourselves in their shoes. They are chomping at the bit to get back at us. You saw that with the kind of energy, execution and even their three-point shooting in the first half. They were really primed for the win. We got a first-hand taste of that,” he noted.

     

    With Game 2 set for Wednesday, January 7, also at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Reyes hopes the Tropang Giga can avoid another slow start and build on their strong second-half showing to tighten their grip on the series.

     

     

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  • “That’s on Me”: Chot Reyes owns up as TNT escapes Meralco in Game 1 of PBA semifinals

    “That’s on Me”: Chot Reyes owns up as TNT escapes Meralco in Game 1 of PBA semifinals

    TNT Tropang Giga seized the early upper hand in their best-of-seven semifinal series after escaping with a hard-earned 100-95 victory over the Meralco Bolts in Game 1 on Sunday, January 4, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The win, however, did not come easily for the Tropang Giga, who had to overcome a disastrous opening half that saw them trailing by as many as 21 points. Meralco dominated the first two quarters behind crisp ball movement and stifling defense, racing to a commanding 52-31 lead at halftime and appearing well in control of the series opener.

     

    TNT head coach Chot Reyes did not shy away from taking responsibility for his team’s sluggish start, admitting that their initial game plan failed to slow down the Bolts.

     

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    “That’s on me. We prepared a game plan that were picked apart. The players were simply following and executing the defensive game plan we prepared, and Meralco picked it apart,” Reyes said after the game.

     

    Facing a steep deficit, Reyes emphasized the importance of regrouping and making timely adjustments during the break.

    “We had to make sure that we made the right adjustments at halftime. I think ‘yon ang nangyari,” he added.

     

    Those adjustments proved decisive. TNT came out of the locker room with renewed energy and urgency, clamping down defensively while finding their rhythm on offense. Roger Pogoy and Rey Nambatac spearheaded the turnaround in the third quarter, combining for 18 points as the Tropang Giga outscored the Bolts 28-13 in the period. The dominant run erased much of Meralco’s lead and swung the momentum firmly in TNT’s favor heading into the final frame.

     

    Calvin Oftana then took over in the closing minutes, delivering a composed and confident performance befitting a star. The versatile forward finished with a game-high 28 points, including two crucial free throws that pushed TNT ahead 98-95 with just 21.1 seconds remaining. Oftana’s steady presence on both ends of the floor helped stabilize the Tropang Giga as Meralco attempted to mount a late comeback.

     

    Nambatac provided valuable support with 17 points, while Pogoy chipped in 16. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser made his presence felt inside, contributing 14 points and key defensive stops that helped limit Meralco’s options down the stretch.

     

    Despite the loss, the Bolts showed why they are a formidable playoff opponent, controlling much of the first half and forcing TNT to dig deep. However, their offensive struggles in the third quarter ultimately proved costly, allowing the Tropang Giga to dictate the tempo for the remainder of the contest.

     

    With the victory, TNT takes a crucial 1-0 lead in the semifinals, but Reyes remains focused on the lessons learned from the near-miss.

     

    After securing the series opener, Reyes will be hoping that his team avoids another slow start and builds on their strong second-half performance when the two squads clash again in Game 2 on Wednesday, January 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

     

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