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Tag: PBA

  • TNT seek to strengthen semifinal hold and take 3-1 lead over Meralco amid import shake-up 

    TNT seek to strengthen semifinal hold and take 3-1 lead over Meralco amid import shake-up 

    Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals arrives with more than just a series lead on the line, it carries the weight of constant adjustments and shifting import dynamics between TNT Tropang 5G and Meralco Bolts.


    Set Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the matchup sees TNT holding a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series, despite a turbulent stretch that saw them play without an import and still emerge with a crucial Game 3 escape act.

     

    Even in adversity, TNT proved its resilience. Stripped of an import following the season-ending injury to Bol Bol during a prior outing, the Tropang 5G absorbed a 76-87 defeat that briefly tied the series before responding with a narrow but vital 77-75 victory last Sunday.

     

    That Game 3 win was defined by composure rather than comfort as RR Pogoy delivered the decisive moment, drilling a go-ahead three-pointer in the final seconds after Chris Newsome briefly gave Meralco a late 75-74 edge. 

     

    The Bolts had one last chance to extend the game, but missed close-range attempts sealed their fate and handed TNT a hard-earned series lead.

     

    Now, both teams enter Game 4 with significantly altered arsenals. TNT is set to welcome back former San Miguel import Chris McCullough, a familiar presence in the conference who previously powered a championship run in 2019. 

     

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    While he stands shorter than the injured Bol Bol, McCullough’s inside-out versatility and experience are expected to provide TNT with both stability and scoring balance.

     

    On the other side, Meralco is responding with a major gamble of its own, bringing in new import Patrick Gardner to replace Marvin Jones after a difficult stretch in the series.

     

    Jones had been productive statistically with 20 points and 14 rebounds per game, but efficiency issues and inconsistent finishing mirrored Meralco’s broader offensive struggles. The Bolts now hope Gardner’s size and presence can provide a different dimension immediately in his PBA debut.

     

    Still, the biggest challenge may not be the imports themselves — but how the locals adapt around them.

     

    For Meralco, Chris Newsome has carried much of the offensive burden, averaging 15 points per game, while support from CJ Cansino, Cliff Hodge, Bong Quinto, and Chris Banchero has been inconsistent throughout the series.

     

    In contrast, TNT has maintained a more balanced attack, with contributions spread across Calvin Oftana, Pogoy, Jordan Heading, and rotational support from Rey Nambatac and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser.

     

    With both teams introducing new imports at a critical stage of the series, Game 4 is shaping up less as a continuation and more as a reset.

     

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  • Chot Reyes believes Chris McCullough can steady TNT after Bol Bol injury  

    Chot Reyes believes Chris McCullough can steady TNT after Bol Bol injury  

    TNT’s championship defense suddenly found itself hanging by a thread over the weekend. One moment, the Tropang 5G were leaning on the dominant presence of Bol Bol in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. 

     

    The next, they were scrambling to rebuild after the towering import suffered a torn left Achilles that abruptly ended his conference.

     

    But amid the chaos, TNT chose familiarity over panic.

     

    After exploring multiple options and even bringing in former University of the Philippines standout Malick Diouf for practice sessions, coach Chot Reyes revealed that the team is now leaning toward former San Miguel Beer champion import Chris McCullough as the man tasked to stabilize TNT’s title bid.

     

    McCullough was already courtside with team manager Jojo Lastimosa during TNT’s gutsy 77-75 Game 3 victory over Meralco at the Mall of Asia Arena — a symbolic sign that the franchise may already have found its next answer.

     

    For Reyes, the decision was never just about talent. It was about minimizing disruption at the most critical stage of the season.

     

    “It’s very ticklish because on one end, introducing a new element to the team can always go both ways. It can give us a jolt of energy. But it can also get in the way of already how smooth things are going with the team,” said Reyes.

     

    Instead of gambling on a completely unfamiliar reinforcement, TNT appears to be banking on McCullough’s proven ability to adapt quickly to the Philippine game. The 6-foot-10 forward already owns a Commissioner’s Cup championship after leading San Miguel Beer to the 2019 title — ironically at TNT’s expense.

     

    “I think the stability and maturity of somebody who’s been here already has won before,” Reyes explained. “When a new import comes in, there’s a lot of adjustments. Adjustment to the time, the weather, the culture, the kind of game. And then adjustment with his teammates. So with McCullough, at least those variables we’ve taken out already, adjustment na lang with his teammates.”

     

    The urgency behind TNT’s search became more apparent after the franchise exhausted several emergency options. Former NBA players Marquese Chriss and Darius Days were initially explored, while Diouf even joined practice in hopes of becoming a short-term solution. But paperwork delays prevented the former UP big man from suiting up in Game 3, forcing TNT to survive with an all-Filipino lineup.

     

    Remarkably, the Tropang 5G still found a way.

     

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    Roger Pogoy delivered the decisive triple late in the game, while TNT’s local core rallied around the emotional loss of Bol Bol to grab a crucial 2-1 series lead against Meralco.

     

    The victory became more than just a playoff win. It became a tribute.

     

    “It was disappointing losing Bol, losing our teammate, losing our brother,” said TNT forward Poy Erram Ganuelas-Rosser after the game. “Coach said that he messaged him and said he really wanted to be out here. So we want to go out there and dedicate the game to him and play for him.”

     

    “He carried us here so hopefully, we can bring us across the finish line and we could finish the job. We have a core of guys that when our back is against the wall, we find ways. Today, like the coach said, a couple of lucky bounces, a couple of plays that we made, we came out with the win. But it’s only one win in the series.”

     

    Now TNT hopes McCullough can provide the steady presence needed to finish what Bol Bol started.

     

    The former NBA forward arrives fresh from a stint with the Taiwan Beer Leopards, where he averaged 16.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists during the 2025-26 campaign. More importantly, he arrives knowing exactly what the pressure of winning in the PBA feels like.

     

    And for a TNT team suddenly forced to adjust in the middle of a semifinal war, that familiarity may end up mattering most.

     

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  • “He is a tough kid”: Tim Cone salutes RJ Abarrientos after playing through broken nose in Game 3 win

    “He is a tough kid”: Tim Cone salutes RJ Abarrientos after playing through broken nose in Game 3 win

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel moved within striking distance of a return to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals after grinding out a tense 103-98 victory over Rain or Shine in Game 3 of their best-of-seven semifinal showdown on Sunday, May 24, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Backed by another poised performance from longtime resident import Justin Brownlee and a fearless effort from rookie guard RJ Abarrientos, the Gin Kings seized a pivotal 2-1 series lead and gained momentum heading into a crucial Game 4 encounter.

     

    As he has done countless times in high-pressure situations, Brownlee delivered when Ginebra needed him most. The veteran reinforcement finished with 24 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds while expertly controlling the tempo and orchestrating the offense in the closing minutes. Brownlee’s steady presence once again proved invaluable as the Gin Kings weathered repeated comeback attempts from a gritty Rain or Shine squad.

     

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    Abarrientos, meanwhile, continued to cement his growing reputation as one of the league’s toughest young guards. The rookie floor general chipped in 17 points, five assists, and three rebounds despite playing through a painful broken nose suffered during Game 2 after taking an elbow from Rain or Shine forward Jhonard Clarito.

     

    Initially entering the game wearing a protective mask, Abarrientos quickly abandoned it after struggling to adjust while on the floor. Rather than allow the discomfort to affect his rhythm, the young guard elected to continue the game without it, drawing admiration from teammates, coaches, and fans alike for his toughness and determination.

     

    “Parang hindi ako makahinga kapag may mask, hindi ko makuha yung rhythm ko. Mag-mamask talaga dapat. Pero wala eh, pag hindi kumportable, aalisin ko talaga. Yun din sabi sa akin, pag hindi kumportable, alisin ko na lang. Ganun talaga kaya nilaro ko na lang,” Abarrientos said after the game.

     

    Despite visibly dealing with pain throughout the contest, Abarrientos never backed down from the physicality of the semifinal battle. He attacked the defense aggressively, made timely baskets, and handled significant minutes as Ginebra leaned heavily on its backcourt execution late in the game.

    His willingness to play through injury earned glowing praise from veteran head coach Tim Cone, who highlighted the rookie’s courage and competitive spirit during the postgame press conference.

     

    “We were hoping that he would wear a mask. But he was complaining about it even yesterday when we brought it over. He was complaining about it before the game. I wasn’t surprised that he took it and threw it at my feet,” Cone said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    Cone went on to commend Abarrientos for refusing to sit out despite the severity of the injury and the physical demands of a tightly contested playoff game.

     

    “He is a tough kid. Really, really tough kid. His nose was like this big but he wanted to play tonight. He wanted to win tonight. He could be one of those guys that said, ‘I’m hurt, I can’t play.’ He came out and played 41 minutes and 43 seconds with pretty much a busted nose,” he added.

     

    The victory underscored Ginebra’s growing confidence as the series progresses. After splitting the first two games, the Gin Kings appeared more composed and efficient down the stretch in Game 3, executing key plays on both ends to fend off the Elasto Painters’ relentless challenge. Their experience in pressure-packed postseason situations ultimately made the difference in the final minutes.

     

    For Rain or Shine, the loss places the team in a difficult position as it now faces the urgency of trying to even the series before Ginebra can move to the brink of another Finals appearance. The Elasto Painters showed resilience throughout the contest but struggled to contain Ginebra’s late-game execution and Brownlee’s playmaking brilliance.

     

    With momentum clearly shifting toward the league’s most popular franchise, Barangay Ginebra will attempt to tighten its grip on the semifinal series when the two teams collide again in Game 4 on Wednesday, May 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Another victory would place the Gin Kings just one win away from the Commissioner’s Cup Finals, while Rain or Shine faces mounting pressure to respond and prevent the series from slipping further out of reach.

     

     

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  • From fake papers to game-fixing: 5 scandals that shook the Philippine basketball scene

    From fake papers to game-fixing: 5 scandals that shook the Philippine basketball scene

    Philippine sports has always thrived on passion, drama, and emotion. We celebrate victories like national holidays, turn athletes into icons, and treat rivalries like family feuds. But just as unforgettable as the championships and heroic moments are the controversies that shook the country and forced leagues, schools, and organizations to change.

     

    Some scandals damaged reputations. Others exposed deep flaws in the system. A few even changed Philippine sports forever.

     

    Here are five controversies that left a lasting mark on the local sports landscape.

     

      1. The Fil-foreign controversy that changed the PBA forever

     

    The late 1990s brought a revolution to the PBA.

     

    Suddenly, fans were watching a new wave of bigger, more athletic, and more skilled Fil-foreign players dominate the league. Stars like Asi Taulava, Danny Seigle, Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Jimmy Alapag, and Eric Menk helped usher in one of the league’s most exciting eras.

     

    But as the Fil-foreign boom grew, so did suspicions surrounding the legitimacy of some players’ documents.

     

    The issue became so massive that the Senate stepped in to investigate several athletes accused of falsifying papers to pass as Filipinos. The controversy created tension across the league, reportedly dividing some local players and Fil-foreign stars.

     

    In the end, only Sonny Alvarado was proven to have fake Filipino documents, effectively ending his PBA career overnight.

     

    Still, the scandal permanently changed how Philippine basketball handled eligibility, citizenship, and player verification — issues that remain relevant even today in both the PBA and national team programs.

     

    1. The La Salle ineligibility scandal that stunned the UAAP

    Few collegiate programs in the country carry the prestige of the De La Salle University Green Archers.

     

    That’s why the 2005 revelation involving ineligible players hit the UAAP like an earthquake.

     

    At the center of the controversy were players Mark Benitez and Tim Gatchalian, who were found to have falsified school documents during the 2003-2004 seasons. The fallout was enormous.

     

    La Salle’s men’s and boys’ basketball teams were suspended for the entire 2006 season. The Green Archers were also stripped of their 2004 championship and 2005 runner-up finish.

     

    More than the sanctions, however, the scandal sparked a larger debate about how serious and commercialized collegiate basketball had become in the country.

     

    The pressure to win had seemingly blurred the line between school pride and business.

     

    Ironically, La Salle’s redemption came quickly. In their very first season back from suspension, the Green Archers won the 2007 UAAP title — one of the most dramatic comeback stories in Philippine collegiate sports history.

     

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    1. The VisMin game-fixing scandal that embarrassed Philippine basketball

    There are bad games. Then there was the infamous 2021 Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup matchup between the ARQ-Lapu-Lapu City Heroes and the Siquijor Mystics.

     

    The game became a national embarrassment after bizarre sequences, questionable plays, and unusually poor execution triggered immediate accusations of game-fixing from fans, players, and basketball personalities online.

     

    The match was eventually stopped at halftime with Lapu-Lapu leading just 27-13. Officials cited a power interruption, but investigations quickly followed.

     

    The backlash was brutal.

     

    Sponsors threatened to pull out. PBA players publicly criticized the game. The Siquijor Mystics were eventually expelled from the league, while several individuals from Lapu-Lapu received suspensions.

     

    More importantly, the controversy became a wake-up call for smaller leagues trying to gain credibility in Philippine basketball.

     

    The incident reinforced how dangerous integrity issues can be for a sport where public trust means everything.

     

      4.Kiefer Ravena’s suspension exposed the country’s anti-doping problem

     

    When Kiefer Ravena tested positive for banned substances in 2018, many fans were shocked not just because of the suspension itself — but because of how it happened.

     

    Ravena explained that he unknowingly consumed prohibited ingredients through a pre-workout drink. FIBA later pointed to a lack of anti-doping education as a major factor behind the violation.

     

    The incident sidelined one of the country’s biggest basketball stars from FIBA-sanctioned competition and became one of the highest-profile anti-doping cases involving a Filipino athlete.

     

    But the controversy also highlighted a major issue in Philippine sports: many athletes simply lacked proper education regarding supplements and banned substances.

     

    In the years that followed, the Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission increased anti-doping awareness campaigns, while Ravena himself became more vocal about educating athletes on supplement safety.

     

    It was a costly lesson — but one that likely prevented future mistakes from other athletes.

    1. The UST bubble training controversy during the pandemic

    At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when strict quarantine rules were still in place nationwide, the UST Growling Tigers found themselves at the center of one of the most controversial stories in recent UAAP memory.

     

    Reports surfaced that the team, then coached by Aldin Ayo, held a training camp in Sorsogon despite health restrictions.

     

    The issue exploded publicly after team captain CJ Cansino left the program, triggering further revelations and player exits.

     

    Eventually, multiple players departed the team and Ayo resigned from his position.

     

    Beyond the violations themselves, the controversy exposed the intense pressure programs faced to stay competitive even during a global health crisis.

     

    It also forced schools and leagues to reevaluate athlete welfare, accountability, and the culture surrounding elite collegiate sports in the country.

     

    In many ways, these scandals became turning points.

     

    Some damaged reputations. Others exposed uncomfortable truths. But all of them forced Philippine sports to evolve — whether through stricter rules, better education, tighter eligibility checks, or stronger accountability.

     

    And perhaps that’s why these controversies remain unforgettable years later: because even in failure, they changed the game.

     

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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: PVL, NBA, PBA, and Alex Eala’s French Open (May 25 – 31)

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: PVL, NBA, PBA, and Alex Eala’s French Open (May 25 – 31)

    A busy stretch of sports action as multiple leagues and tournaments headline the week from May 25 to 31, 2026. Featuring the PVL Draft Lottery, French Open matches with Alex Eala, pivotal PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal games, and heated NBA Conference Finals clashes, the slate is filled with marquee events across volleyball, tennis, and basketball. As pressure builds in both the NBA and PBA playoffs, every contest carries added weight in the race for championships.


    PVL

     

    May 25 (Monday)

    • 2026 PVL Draft Lottery

    Tennis – French Open 

     

    Women’s Singles – Round of 128 (May 26 – Tuesday)

    • 5:00 PM – Alex Eala vs Iva Jovic

    Women’s Doubles – Round of 64 (TBD)

    • Alex Eala and Victoria Mboko vs Leylah Fernandez and Diana Shnaider

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    PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup

     

    May 27 (Wednesday) – Smart Araneta Coliseum

    • 5:15 PM – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel
    • 7:30 PM – TNT Tropang 5G vs Meralco Bolts

    May 29 (Friday) – Smart Araneta Coliseum

    • 5:15 PM – TNT Tropang 5G vs Meralco Bolts
    • 7:30 PM – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel

    NBA Playoffs

     

    Eastern Conference Finals

     

    May 26 (Tuesday) – Game 4

    • 8:00 AM – New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers

    May 28 (Thursday) – Game 5 (If Necessary)

    • 8:00 AM – New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers

    May 30 (Saturday) – Game 6 (If Necessary)

    • 8:00 AM – New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers

    Western Conference Finals

     

    May 27 (Wednesday) – Game 5

    • 8:30 AM – San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder

    May 29 (Friday) – Game 6

    • 8:30 AM – San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder

    May 31 (Sunday) – Game 7 (If Necessary)

    • 8:00 AM – San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder

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  • Mikee Reyes credits ball boy Eric Nanas for helping Rain or Shine gain fans     

    Mikee Reyes credits ball boy Eric Nanas for helping Rain or Shine gain fans     

    Former UP standout and PBA draft pick Mikee Reyes praised Rain or Shine’s behind-the-scenes content, saying it helps humanize players and grow the PBA’s fanbase.

     

    For years, the PBA has searched for ways to connect deeper with younger fans in an era dominated by social media, short-form videos, and behind-the-scenes access.

     

    According to Mikee Reyes, one team may have already figured it out.

     

    While Rain or Shine continues to surprise people with its playoff run under coach Yeng Guiao, Reyes believes the Elasto Painters are quietly becoming one of the league’s most important teams for another reason entirely: they understand how to make fans care beyond the final score.

     

    In a passionate online commentary during the ongoing PBA semifinals, the former UP Fighting Maroons standout and 2016 PBA Draft pick pointed to Rain or Shine’s consistent behind-the-scenes videos as a blueprint other teams should seriously consider following.

     

    “Bakit good for the league yung Rain or Shine? Kasi nakikita natin yung basketball in another light. Nakikita natin yung daily activities ng pagiging PBA player,” Reyes said.

     

    Instead of limiting fan interaction to game broadcasts and postgame interviews, Rain or Shine has steadily opened its doors online — showing practices, locker room moments, jokes between teammates, road trips, and even ordinary interactions that rarely make it onto television.

     

    For Reyes, that kind of access changes how fans see players.

     

    Rather than distant athletes appearing only during games, the players begin to feel relatable and real.

     

    And perhaps no one represents that unexpected rise in visibility more than Rain or Shine utility man Eric Nanas.

     

    Originally working behind the scenes, Nanas has slowly become one of the franchise’s most recognizable personalities online thanks to his appearances in team content and interactions with players.

     

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    To Reyes, that added visibility carries real value. “Si Eric Nanas deserves a raise,” Reyes said.

     

    “Yes, ginagawa niya trabaho niya as utility. Pero yung ginagawa niya outside that—being able to market Rain or Shine, being able to humanize Rain or Shine, humanize the practices and the players—may value ‘yon.”

     

    Reyes, who transitioned into sports media and content creation after his basketball career, argued that content creation is no longer optional for teams hoping to grow their audience.

     

    He believes fan engagement today extends far beyond what happens during games themselves.

     

    “Please mag-content kayo. Because it will help not only your brand, but the league,” Reyes said, addressing players directly.

     

    His comments arrive at a time when Rain or Shine has become one of the conference’s biggest surprise stories.

     

    The Elasto Painters are already drawing attention for their gritty semifinal run, but their online presence has amplified that momentum even further, helping casual viewers become emotionally invested in the personalities behind the team.

     

    For Reyes, that may ultimately be the bigger win. In a league constantly searching for ways to evolve, he sees Rain or Shine proving that basketball fans no longer just want highlights — they want connection.

     

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  • “Rondae called me and he made it happen”: Chris McCullough on return to PBA as TNT’s new import

    “Rondae called me and he made it happen”: Chris McCullough on return to PBA as TNT’s new import

    TNT Tropang Giga have officially signed former NBA player Chris McCullough as their new import for the remainder of the knockout phase of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, as the franchise looks to sustain its championship push following a major setback in the semifinals.

     

    The move comes after TNT lost star import Bol Bol to a serious Achilles injury sustained during Game 2 of their semifinal series against the Meralco Bolts on Friday, May 22, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The injury abruptly ended what had been a dominant campaign for Bol, forcing TNT to move quickly to reinforce their roster ahead of the decisive stretch of the conference.

     

    Despite the disruption, the Tropang Giga showed resilience, edging Meralco 77-75 in Game 3 on Sunday, May 24, also at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, to seize a crucial 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. McCullough was already present at the venue, observing his new teammates in action as he prepares for his long-awaited return to the PBA stage.

     

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    TNT management wasted little time in securing the 31-year-old forward, a familiar name to Philippine basketball fans. McCullough acknowledged that his decision to return to the PBA was influenced heavily by a conversation with TNT guard and former teammate Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, with whom he shared NBA experience during their stint with the Brooklyn Nets from 2015 to 2017.

     

    “Rondae called me and he made it happen. That’s the end of the story,” McCullough said.

    McCullough is no stranger to the PBA, having previously suited up for the San Miguel Beermen during the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup. In that campaign, he made a significant impact, leading the Beermen to a championship while delivering consistent, high-level performances throughout the conference and establishing himself as one of the most effective imports in recent league history.

     

    Now returning to the Philippines, McCullough expressed both excitement and urgency as he prepares to join TNT in a high-stakes semifinal environment. He is expected to make his debut in Game 3 of the series against Meralco on Wednesday, May 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where immediate production will be expected from the veteran forward.

     

    “I think when I step on the court on Wednesday, it will hit me a little differently. But I’m just still happy to be here. Just ready to get out there and play. Taking it one game at a time. That’s about it,” he added.

     

    McCullough steps into a crucial role for TNT, filling the void left by Bol Bol, who had been one of the standout imports of the season prior to his injury. The pressure will be immediate, as the Tropang Giga are firmly in contention for a Finals berth and will rely on McCullough to quickly integrate into their system.

     

    TNT head coach and management are expected to lean on the import’s experience, versatility, and familiarity with the PBA’s physical style of play as they attempt to maintain momentum in the series against a resilient Meralco squad.

     

    Acknowledging the circumstances of his arrival, McCullough also expressed sympathy for his injured predecessor while emphasizing his commitment to the team’s goals moving forward.

     

    “It’s sad to see an injury like that, but hopefully he can get back home and get surgery. I just want to help this team win as possible, do what I got to do, just play basketball,” McCullough concluded.

     

     

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  • Roger Pogoy delivers late dagger as TNT’s all-Filipino grit stuns Meralco for 2-1 semifinals lead 

    Roger Pogoy delivers late dagger as TNT’s all-Filipino grit stuns Meralco for 2-1 semifinals lead 

    With no import to lean on and momentum slipping away in the final seconds, TNT turned to its toughness and to Roger Pogoy.


    Pogoy drilled the game-winning three with 7.4 seconds left as the Tropang 5G escaped with a thrilling 77-75 victory over Meralco on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, seizing a 2-1 edge in their PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series.

     

    The veteran player answered immediately after Chris Newsome knocked down a clutch triple that briefly pushed the Bolts ahead, 75-74. TNT wasted no time on the other end, isolating Pogoy for the decisive shot that completed another gutsy performance from the all-Filipino squad.

     

    Playing their first game since the departure of import Bol Bol, the Tropang 5G leaned entirely on their local core and found enough firepower and composure to outlast a Meralco side bannered by import Marvin Jones.

     

    TNT appeared headed for defeat after trailing 72-66 late in the fourth quarter, but Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Kelly Williams fueled a pivotal 8-0 run that swung the momentum and briefly restored a 74-72 lead before the frantic finish unfolded.

     

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    The Bolts still had chances to steal the game, but missed attempts from CJ Cansino and Jason Brickman in the closing moments allowed TNT to preserve the narrow win.

     

    Rey Nambatac paced the Tropang 5G with a conference-best 18 points and eight rebounds, continuing his strong stretch in the playoffs. Calvin Oftana added 15 points and seven boards, while Jordan Heading chipped in 12 markers as TNT showcased its depth with nine players contributing at least two points.

     

    “More than the caliber and depth of our team, I think it’s our heart, really. All of our discussions in practice, even before any kind of game planning, were just about setting our minds right that we have a chance,” coach Chot Reyes said.

     

    “Yesterday, our discussion was because we’re all-Filipino without Bol, we cannot match Meralco’s energy and effort. We have to overcome it. We have to find a way to put in more energy and effort. I think that’s how the game panned out,” he added.

     

    Jones finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds for Meralco, while Newsome added 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists in the losing effort.

     

    Game 4 is set for Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, where TNT is expected to unveil either Malick Diouf or Chris McCullough as its new import.

     

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  • Scottie Thompson powers Barangay Ginebra past Rain or Shine for 2-1 PBA semis lead

    Scottie Thompson powers Barangay Ginebra past Rain or Shine for 2-1 PBA semis lead

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel moved a step closer to the Commissioner’s Cup Finals after carving out a hard-fought 103-98 victory over Rain or Shine in Game 3 of their best-of-seven semifinal series on Sunday, May 24, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The Gin Kings now hold a crucial 2-1 advantage in the series heading into the pivotal fourth game.

     

    As expected, resident import Justin Brownlee once again delivered in the biggest moments, finishing with 24 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds while orchestrating Ginebra’s offense with his trademark composure and efficiency. Rookie guard RJ Abarrientos also continued his impressive playoff run, contributing 17 points, five assists, and three rebounds to provide additional firepower for the crowd favorites.

     

    But on a night loaded with standout performances, it was veteran guard Scottie Thompson who stole the spotlight.

     

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    Thompson produced another all-around masterpiece, tallying 25 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals while knocking down five three-pointers to help Ginebra fend off repeated comeback attempts from the Elasto Painters. Time and again, Thompson delivered timely baskets and hustle plays that energized both his teammates and the sea of Ginebra supporters inside the arena.

     

    Despite his stellar outing, Thompson remained humble after the victory and immediately shifted the credit toward the team’s system and preparation under head coach Tim Cone.

    “Yung flow ng offense namin yun, and we move well without the ball, so maraming nao-open. Honestly, I don’t know what to say. I’m just overwhelmed and blessed,” Thompson said after the game.

     

    The victory highlighted Ginebra’s balanced attack and championship experience, particularly in crunch time where the team executed with poise on both ends of the floor. Rain or Shine stayed within striking distance for most of the contest, but the Gin Kings leaned on their veteran core and disciplined execution to preserve the win late in the fourth quarter.

     

    Cone, who has coached Thompson since selecting him fifth overall in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft, was full of admiration for the former league MVP’s relentless work ethic and consistency over the years.

     

    “There’s nobody better than a guy who comes out and does his job literally every game and every practice. He does all the stuff that no one else wants to do, and it’s just amazing to watch that day in and day out for 10 years now. He just comes to work every game and every day, and he does that day in and day out,” Cone added.

     

    For Cone, Thompson’s performance was hardly surprising. Over the years, the hardworking guard has built a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable stars — a player capable of impacting games far beyond the scoring column through rebounding, defense, hustle plays, and leadership.

     

    With momentum now on their side, Barangay Ginebra will look to tighten its grip on the series when the two squads meet again in Game 4 on Wednesday, May 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Meanwhile, Rain or Shine faces mounting pressure as it attempts to level the series against a Ginebra side that appears to be finding its rhythm at the perfect time.

     

     

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  • Healthy TNT gives Meralco a bigger problem in Game 2 

    Healthy TNT gives Meralco a bigger problem in Game 2 

    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.

     

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    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.

     

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