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Tag: TNT Tropang 5G

  • Titan Ultra reworks Joshua Munzon trade as TNT remains in pursuit 

    Titan Ultra reworks Joshua Munzon trade as TNT remains in pursuit 

    Titan Ultra has pulled the plug on the initial framework of its transaction with TNT, opening the door for a new set of negotiations as the Tropang 5G continue to pursue Joshua Munzon.

    The Giant Risers were initially prepared to send Munzon to TNT in exchange for the Tropang 5G’s Season 53 first-round pick and rookie big man Joe Celzo. 

     

    The deal had been nearing completion and was only waiting for approval from the PBA Commissioner’s Office before unforeseen circumstances forced a rethink.

    Now, Titan Ultra is looking for more pieces from TNT. The change comes at a difficult time for the Giant Risers, who will be without Sajonia for the remainder of the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup and the early portion of Season 51. 

     

    With the team needing to fill the void, Titan Ultra is reportedly exploring a stronger package before giving the green light on Munzon.

     

    The uncertainty surrounding the trade also explained Munzon’s no playing time on Wednesday.

     

    He did not suit up for Titan Ultra in its 143-113 blowout loss to San Miguel at the Ynares Center, an indication that the 15-point-per-game scorer is already at the center of a potential roster shake-up.

     

    Munzon has been a major contributor for the Giant Risers this conference, averaging 15.0 points, 4.75 rebounds and 1.25 steals through eight games.

     

    The proposed deal has already gone through at least one major revision. An earlier version that TNT ultimately rejected would have sent Rey Nambatac and Poy Erram to Titan Ultra in exchange for Munzon and Jeo Ambohot.

     

    With that package off the table, both sides are expected to continue talking over the next several months.

     

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    TNT’s interest, however, has not changed. The Tropang 5G remain determined to acquire Munzon, whose combination of scoring and perimeter defense makes him an attractive addition to a TNT roster looking to strengthen its rotation.

     

    The timing could also be significant for TNT as it battles for position in Group A. The Tropang 5G currently sit third at 4-4, tied with Converge, while Titan Ultra is at the bottom of the group with a 2-7 record. 

     

    For Titan Ultra, the situation presents an opportunity to maximize the return for one of its most valuable players.

     

    The Giant Risers are reportedly willing to listen to offers for everyone on the roster except their first-round pick and three second-round selections in the upcoming PBA Season 51 Draft. That gives the franchise considerable flexibility as it weighs both immediate needs and its longer-term rebuilding plans.

     

    Munzon’s value is also rooted in what he has already shown in the PBA. He broke out with NorthPort last season as one of the league’s emerging two-way talents, earning PBA Most Improved Player honors while also being selected to the All-Defensive Team.

     

    That development has made him more than just another trade piece.

     

    For TNT, he represents a proven young player who can contribute on both ends of the floor. For Titan Ultra, he is a valuable asset that could bring back the pieces needed to navigate a depleted roster.

     

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  • Robert Bolick compares injured DeQuan Jones to Justin Brownlee after NLEX beats TNT in OT thriller  

    Robert Bolick compares injured DeQuan Jones to Justin Brownlee after NLEX beats TNT in OT thriller  

    Robert Bolick could barely celebrate NLEX’s latest victory.

     

    The Road Warriors had just beaten TNT for the second time in as many weeks, escaping with a thrilling 118-111 overtime win Tuesday at the Ynares Center–Antipolo to improve to 7-1 in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    But for Bolick, the result was secondary after seeing DeQuan Jones go down with an apparent serious leg injury.

     

     

    Jones was stretchered off the court late in the third quarter following a collision with Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, leaving NLEX without its import for the remainder of the game.

     

    And while the Road Warriors found a way to finish the job, Bolick admitted it was difficult to celebrate knowing what happened to one of the team’s biggest contributors.

     

    “Ang hirap mag celebrate, ang hirap makahanap ng import na di lang magaling, pero mabait eh.”

     

    Bolick’s next words showed just how highly NLEX values Jones.

     

    “Sya yung Justin Brownlee sa team namin.”

     

    For a player who has seen first-hand what a dominant import can mean to a PBA team, Bolick’s comparison carried plenty of weight.

     

    Jones has been at the heart of NLEX’s unbeaten run for most of the conference, providing the scoring, production and leadership that helped turn the Road Warriors into the early pace-setters in Group A.

     

    “Kaya nga kami 7-1, malaking part nun sya.”

     

    Still, NLEX showed Tuesday that it was capable of surviving without Jones.

     

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    Bolick delivered 27 points, including the Road Warriors’ final eight points in regulation. With NLEX facing elimination from the lead late in the fourth, he buried a clutch four-pointer over Rey Nambatac with 2.2 seconds left to force overtime.

     

    He then continued making plays in the extra period, picking off a Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson pass before setting up David Semerad for an open basket that gave NLEX a 118-111 lead.

     

    Ljay Gonzales also produced a career performance with 26 points and six rebounds, giving the Road Warriors another major boost when they needed it most.

     

    “Pero at the same time, kahit wala kaming import, lumaban kami.”

     

    That resilience may prove crucial moving forward.

     

    Jones finished with 23 points before suffering the injury, with early reports indicating a complete right lower-leg fracture and surgery potentially scheduled as early as Wednesday.

     

    NLEX head coach Jimmy Alapag was visibly affected by the injury but praised his players for finding a way to finish the game.

     

    “My deepest prayers to DJ. More than the basketball player, it’s the person. It’s heartbreaking to see him go down, but I’m so proud of ouR guys,” Alapag said.

     

    The victory moved NLEX to 7-1 and further strengthened its grip on the top spot in Group A, but the Road Warriors could now face their biggest challenge of the conference yet.

     

    For Bolick, however, Tuesday’s game was less about another win over TNT and more about a teammate who has helped make their remarkable run possible.

     

    NLEX proved it could win without Jones.

     

    The bigger question is whether it can continue doing so if its import is forced to miss significant time.

     

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  • TNT’s Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser emotional after accidental collision injures NLEX import DeQuan Jones

    TNT’s Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser emotional after accidental collision injures NLEX import DeQuan Jones

    The NLEX Road Warriors continued their dominant run in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup, but their latest victory came at a heavy cost.

     

    NLEX defeated the TNT Tropang 5G, 118-111, on Tuesday, August 11, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo to further cement its status as one of the conference’s top teams. However, the Road Warriors’ impressive performance was overshadowed by a gruesome right leg injury suffered by import DeQuan Jones in the third quarter.

     

    Jones was having another productive outing for NLEX before the unfortunate incident with 7:27 remaining in the third period.

     

     

     

     

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    The veteran import landed awkwardly after a play and his right leg was inadvertently caught underneath him following a collision with TNT center Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser. Jones immediately went down in pain as players from both teams rushed toward him.

     

    Medical personnel quickly attended to Jones and placed him on a stretcher before carrying him out of the arena. He was subsequently transported to a hospital by ambulance for further evaluation.

     

    The injury visibly affected players from both teams, particularly Ganuelas-Rosser, who was visibly emotional following the incident. The TNT big man appeared shaken by the collision and was later consoled by NLEX veteran Kevin Alas after the game.

     

    Ganuelas-Rosser stressed after the contest that the incident was purely accidental and expressed his concern for Jones, whom he said he deeply respects.

    “You don’t want to be labeled like a dirty player or that I did that on purpose. He is someone that I look up to, and he is someone that I have nothing but admiration for. And I don’t want anything like that to happen,” Ganuelas-Rosser said during the postgame press conference.

     

    The 32-year-old center also revealed that he and Jones had spoken before the game, describing the NLEX import as a friendly person away from the court.

     

    “DeQuan’s a nice import, good person, so I’m just hoping for the best. It’s part of the game, but it’s hard for that to happen,” Ganuelas-Rosser added.

     

    Jones had been one of NLEX’s most important players throughout the Governors’ Cup and was once again making his presence felt before the injury. He finished with 23 points, four rebounds and one assist, helping the Road Warriors maintain control of the game and eventually secure the seven-point victory.

     

    His absence in the second half left a noticeable void for NLEX, which had relied heavily on his scoring, athleticism and ability to create opportunities on both ends of the floor.

     

    Despite the emotional turn of events, the Road Warriors managed to hold off TNT and preserve their winning momentum. The victory further strengthened NLEX’s position at the top of the Governors’ Cup standings and underscored the team’s depth and resilience.

     

    But for the Road Warriors, the final buzzer was accompanied by concern rather than celebration.

    After the game, NLEX players gathered around the court and offered a prayer for Jones, a poignant scene that reflected the gravity of the injury and the close bond within the team.

     

    Jones’ condition and the extent of his injury are expected to become clearer following his medical evaluation. For NLEX, the immediate concern now shifts from its impressive winning streak to the health and recovery of its star import.

     

    The Road Warriors may have walked away with another crucial victory, but the night ultimately belonged to Jones—and to the hope that their standout import can make a full and speedy recovery.

     

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  • San Miguel seeks to build momentum as TNT, Titan fight for survival

    San Miguel seeks to build momentum as TNT, Titan fight for survival

    The pressure is beginning to look different for the teams heading to Ynares Center-Montalban as the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup enters a crucial stretch of the eliminations.

     

    San Miguel Beer is chasing stability near the top of Group A, while TNT Tropang 5G and Titan Ultra Giant Risers are fighting to keep their respective playoff hopes from slipping further away.

     

    San Miguel takes on the Macau Giant Pandas at 7:30 p.m. Friday, looking to strengthen its hold on second place and complete a sweep of the guest team.

     

    Later on Saturday, Titan Ultra and TNT meet in another high-stakes matchup, with both teams needing a victory to improve their position in the crowded Group A race.

     

    San Miguel eyes another step forward

     

    San Miguel enters its matchup with Macau carrying the confidence of a convincing bounce-back win.

     

    The Beermen dismantled Converge, 126-114, on Wednesday to improve to 5-2, responding immediately after an overtime defeat to TNT in their previous game.

     

    The victory also marked the return of coach Leo Austria to the bench after recovering from an angioplasty.

     

    San Miguel looked every bit like a team eager to regain its rhythm, putting together a dominant second half against Converge behind another monster performance from import George King.

     

    King erupted for 46 points and 14 rebounds, while Don Trollano added 27. June Mar Fajardo, meanwhile, showed that his impact goes well beyond scoring by finishing with five points, 21 rebounds and 10 assists.

     

    The Beermen will now try to carry that balance into their rematch with Macau.

     

    They already defeated the Giant Pandas, 132-126, in their first meeting on July 18, but Macau has shown enough offensive firepower to make the rematch dangerous.

     

    The Pandas are coming off a 128-132 loss to Titan Ultra and sit at 2-5, tied at the bottom of Group A.

     

    Before that defeat, Macau had managed to string together consecutive wins over Titan Ultra and Terrafirma, briefly giving itself a chance to climb the standings.

     

    A victory over San Miguel would provide an enormous boost.

     

    For the Beermen, however, the objective is more straightforward: avoid another slip and move to 6-2.

     

    With unbeaten NLEX sitting at 6-0, San Miguel cannot afford to waste another opportunity to keep pace near the top.

     

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    TNT faces another test without key players

     

    The pressure is arguably greater for TNT.

     

    The Tropang 5G are coming off another narrow loss, falling to unbeaten NLEX, 83-88, despite mounting a furious comeback from a 17-point deficit.

     

    TNT continues to operate without several key players, including Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, Jordan Heading and Jayson Castro.

     

    Despite the depleted lineup, the Tropang 5G remain firmly in the playoff conversation at 3-3.

     

    Their next opponent, however, has plenty of reason to believe it can cause another upset.

     

    Titan Ultra already defeated TNT, 103-87, when the teams first met on July 22.

     

    The Giant Risers are also entering the contest with plenty of offensive confidence after producing franchise records in their 132-128 victory over Macau.

     

    Titan scored a franchise-best 47 points in the third quarter, 80 in the first half and 132 overall. Its bench also came through with 57 points, giving Tirrell Brown and Joshua Munzon the support they needed.

     

    But coach Rensy Bajar knows offense alone will not be enough against TNT.

    “Kailangan lang talaga namin is defense,” he said.

     

    “Constant defense, ‘yung transition defense, rebounding. Iyun lang talaga… du’n lang talaga lagi kaming natatalo.”

     

    That message could determine whether Titan can turn its offensive explosion into a genuine winning streak.

     

    The Giant Risers are 2-5 and need a victory to climb out of the Group A cellar. TNT, meanwhile, needs to reach 4-3 to strengthen its bid for one of the four playoff spots.

     

    The Tropang 5G still have enough firepower to cause problems, led by replacement import Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, Rey Nambatac, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Glenn Khobuntin.

     

    But injuries have forced TNT to repeatedly find new ways to win.

     

    That makes Saturday’s matchup less about which team has the better roster on paper and more about which side can execute under pressure.

     

    For San Miguel, Friday is an opportunity to turn a bounce-back victory into sustained momentum.

    For Macau, it is a chance to shake off another defeat against one of the conference’s strongest teams.

     

    And for TNT and Titan Ultra, Saturday could be a defining night in their respective pushes to stay alive in the Group A playoff race.

     

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  • Rey Nambatac powers depleted TNT resurgence, bags PBA Player of the Week honors

    Rey Nambatac powers depleted TNT resurgence, bags PBA Player of the Week honors

    Every championship contender eventually reaches a point where someone has to carry the load.

    For TNT Tropang 5G, that player has been Rey Nambatac.

     

    With the defending champions missing several key stars and facing an uphill climb after an inconsistent start to the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, Nambatac has emerged as the steady force keeping TNT’s title defense alive.

     

    His leadership and clutch performances were rewarded after being named the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of July 28 to August 2.

     

    “As one of the leaders of the team, kailangan ko ipakita na lumalaban pa din tayo,” said Nambatac after spearheading TNT’s back-to-back victories.

     

    The veteran guard averaged 25.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists during the week, helping the Tropang 5G improve to 3-2 in Group A after opening the conference with an uneven campaign.

    Nambatac edged out Rain or Shine’s Adrian Nocum and NLEX’s Schonny Winston for his second weekly citation of the PBA’s milestone 50th season.

     

    His latest recognition comes at a time when TNT has been forced to rely heavily on its remaining healthy players.

     

    The Tropang 5G continue to play without Calvin Oftana, Jayson Castro, Kelly Williams, and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, while matters became even more complicated after RR Pogoy suffered a knee injury and Jordan Heading hyperextended his shoulder during the victory over Converge.

     

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    Despite the growing injury list, Nambatac refused to let TNT lose its footing.

     

    Against the FiberXers, TNT found itself buried in an early 16-0 hole, but the veteran guard sparked the comeback before delivering the biggest shot of the night—a buzzer-beating three-pointer that lifted the Tropang 5G to a dramatic 110-107 victory. He finished with 30 points in one of the conference’s most memorable performances.

     

    Nambatac followed it up with another all-around effort against powerhouse San Miguel Beer, tallying 21 points and nine rebounds as TNT pulled off a 93-89 overtime upset.

     

    While Kim Aurin knocked down two crucial three-pointers late in the extra period, it was Nambatac’s steady production throughout the contest that once again anchored the defending champions.

     

    With TNT still waiting for several key contributors to return, Nambatac has become the stabilizing presence the team desperately needed—proving that championship aspirations can stay alive when one of its leaders is willing to shoulder the responsibility.

     

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  • Jimmy Alapag keeps NLEX unbeaten after first coaching win over mentor Chot Reyes, TNT 

    Jimmy Alapag keeps NLEX unbeaten after first coaching win over mentor Chot Reyes, TNT 

    Jimmy Alapag has collected championships, MVP awards, and unforgettable victories throughout his basketball career.

     

    But Tuesday night offered something entirely different.

     

    For the first time since becoming a PBA head coach, Alapag found himself standing across the sideline from the man who helped shape him into one of Philippine basketball’s greatest point guards—Chot Reyes.

     

    The result was another milestone in Alapag’s remarkable coaching start.

     

    NLEX stretched its flawless record to 6-0 in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup after outlasting TNT, giving the rookie tactician perhaps his most meaningful victory yet.

     

    It wasn’t simply about extending an unbeaten streak.

     

    It was about earning a win against the coach who entrusted him with the keys to the Talk N’ Text dynasty and later shared the sidelines with him in Gilas Pilipinas.

     

    Even after the final buzzer, Alapag made it clear that admiration came before competition.

     

    “Coach Chot is somebody who I have the utmost respect for,” Alapag said after the victory.

     

    “We shared a lot of success together in the PBA with Talk N’ Text and Gilas. It’s always an honor to be able to coach against the best.”

     

    Once the ball was tipped, however, the sentimental storyline gave way to a fiercely contested battle.

     

    NLEX appeared headed for a comfortable victory after building a 17-point cushion, controlling the pace and dictating the game for long stretches.

     

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    But Reyes once again showed why he remains one of the country’s most respected coaches.

     

    Despite missing several cornerstone players, TNT steadily chipped away at the deficit, turning what looked like a runaway into a tense finish.

     

    The Road Warriors refused to crack.

     

    Timely defensive plays from Ljay Gonzales and Schonny Winston halted TNT’s comeback attempt, allowing NLEX to preserve both the win and its spotless record.

     

    Rather than celebrate his own coaching achievement, Alapag pointed to the effort of the team on the opposite bench.

     

    The Tropang 5G continue to compete without key contributors Calvin Oftana, Jayson Castro, RR Pogoy, Jordan Heading, and several other regulars, yet they nearly handed NLEX its first defeat of the conference.

     

    For Alapag, that resilience reflects the influence of the man leading TNT.

     

    “That’s the kind of coach he [Reyes] is. It’s no surprise he has TNT playing the way they are even with so many key guys down,” Alapag said.

     

    The victory further strengthens NLEX’s grip on the top spot in Group A while adding another chapter to Alapag’s dream debut season as a PBA head coach.

     

    Now carrying a perfect 6-0 record, the Road Warriors will look to keep their momentum rolling when they face Terrafirma Dyip on Friday, August 7.

     

    For one night, the apprentice earned bragging rights over the mentor.

     

    For Alapag, however, the respect that helped build his basketball journey remains unchanged.

     

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  • TNT welcomes back Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the Philippines as Tropang 5G awaits former import’s recovery

    TNT welcomes back Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the Philippines as Tropang 5G awaits former import’s recovery

    While TNT Tropang 5G continues its campaign in the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup with a new import leading the charge, the franchise received another welcome boost this week—the return of one of its most beloved reinforcements.


    Former PBA Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is back in the Philippines, not yet to suit up, but to continue the next phase of his recovery from the Achilles injury that has kept him out of action since last year. 

     

    TNT shared the update through its official social media channels on Monday, giving fans a glimpse of the former NBA forward back with the team.

     

    “Welcome back, RHJ! Back in town and back in the grind as he works his way back from injury. Dahan-dahan, pero tuloy-tuloy,” TNT wrote on their Facebook post.

     

    Hollis-Jefferson continues to recover from the ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered while playing on loan for the Meralco Bolts during the East Asia Super League (EASL) Season 3.

     

    Team manager Jojo Lastimosa said the next step will be to gradually reintegrate Hollis-Jefferson into basketball activities once he settles back in with the team.

     

    “Makikita namin sa pagdating, pagbalik niya siguro mag-uumpisa na siya ng full court na mga run ng team,” Lastimosa said.

     

    While Rondae works toward full fitness, it is his older brother, Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, who has taken over the responsibility of leading TNT’s import duties. 

     

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    The Tropang 5G signed Rahlir to replace Darius Days for the season-ending conference, giving the brothers a unique connection to the franchise during different stages of the campaign.

     

    Rahlir has already begun making his presence felt. In TNT’s recent victory over the San Miguel Beermen, the veteran forward delivered 20 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists to help the Tropang 5G secure an important win.

     

    The victory improved TNT’s position to third place in Group A with a 3-2 win-loss record. The Tropang 5G now prepare for another major challenge as they take on the unbeaten NLEX Road Warriors, coached by Jimmy Alapag, on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The Hollis-Jefferson brothers have built basketball careers that have often crossed paths despite taking different routes. Rondae established himself in the NBA before becoming one of the PBA’s most dominant imports, winning multiple Best Import awards and playing a pivotal role in TNT’s championship success. 

     

    Rahlir, meanwhile, carved out his own professional journey through various international leagues before eventually receiving the opportunity to wear the same TNT jersey his younger brother wore.

     

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  • Jimmy Alapag reunites with TNT as unbeaten NLEX faces biggest test yet 

    Jimmy Alapag reunites with TNT as unbeaten NLEX faces biggest test yet 

    Jimmy Alapag’s unbeaten start as a PBA head coach now arrives at the most personal stop on his early coaching journey.

     

    After steering NLEX to a flawless opening stretch in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, Alapag will find himself standing across the bench from the franchise where he built his legacy when the Road Warriors battle TNT Tropang 5G on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    For more than a decade, Alapag was the face of TNT, leading the franchise to six championships and becoming one of the greatest point guards in PBA history. This time, however, “The Mighty Mouse” returns not in black and yellow, but as the architect of the league’s only unbeaten team.

     

    The Road Warriors have quickly become one of the conference’s biggest surprises, winning all five of their games through a fast-paced attack built around teamwork rather than individual brilliance.

     

    Their latest statement came against Converge, where NLEX broke open a tight contest with a dominant fourth-quarter surge to remain perfect. After an 88-all deadlock, the Road Warriors outscored the FiberXers 31-19 behind another explosive outing from import DeQuan Jones, who finished with 28 points, while Schonny Winston poured in 24. The pair combined for 22 points during the decisive closing run.

     

    “We wanted to stay composed and aggressive in the fourth quarter and coach Jimmy wanted us to continue to play fast, so that’s what we ended up doing,” Winston said.

     

    “We’ll stay humble, knowing it’s still a long season to go and there’s a lot of hard work to do,” Winston added.

     

    Across the floor will be a TNT squad that has found a completely different formula for winning.

     

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    While injuries continue to sideline key stars Jayson Castro, RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, and Kelly Williams, the Tropang 5G have leaned on resilience and defense to climb back above the .500 mark.

     

    They showcased that identity by stunning defending All-Filipino champion San Miguel Beer, limiting one of the league’s highest-scoring offenses to just 89 points in an overtime victory.

     

    Import Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson anchored the effort with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, while Kim Aurin delivered the performance of his career with 22 points despite waking up under the weather.

     

    “Sobrang bigat ng trabaho dahil wala sila,” Aurin said, referring to TNT’s injured players. “Mindset lang, pag libre, tira.”

     

    Even San Miguel’s prolific import George King struggled to find his rhythm early, as TNT held him to only eight first-half points before surviving overtime.

     

    For head coach Chot Reyes, the victory became another reminder that mentality can outweigh talent.

     

    “I really don’t know how we did it,” Reyes said after winning on his 62nd birthday. “What I know is how important mindset is. We could’ve had an attitude na ‘overtime na naman’ and be negative.

    But we turned it positive, saying ‘who would’ve thought we could bring them to overtime?’”

     

    “Basta ang sabi namin, daanin na lang natin sa depensa,” Reyes added.

     

    Tuesday’s matchup now offers a fascinating contrast in styles.

     

    NLEX has overwhelmed opponents with pace, depth, and offensive balance under Alapag’s fresh system. TNT, meanwhile, has rediscovered its identity through grit and defense despite operating with a depleted roster.

     

    For Alapag, extending NLEX’s perfect run would make his emotional return to TNT even sweeter. For the Tropang 5G, spoiling their former superstar’s homecoming would further prove that championship habits remain alive, even with an undermanned lineup.

     

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  • Unbeaten NLEX puts perfect record on the line as TNT, San Miguel clash in crucial Governors’ Cup showdown

    Unbeaten NLEX puts perfect record on the line as TNT, San Miguel clash in crucial Governors’ Cup showdown

    Momentum and redemption collide in Saturday’s PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup twin bill at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, where one team aims to protect perfection while another looks to prove its latest setback was only a temporary stumble.


    The spotlight first shifts to the clash between the NLEX Road Warriors and the Converge FiberXers, with the Road Warriors carrying the tournament’s only unbeaten record into another stern examination.

     

    Under first-year head coach Jimmy Alapag, NLEX has emerged as the team to beat after opening the conference with four straight victories. Their latest triumph was arguably their biggest statement yet, knocking off powerhouse San Miguel Beer, 110-99, to strengthen their grip on the top spot in Group A. Robert Bolick continued to orchestrate the offense while the Road Warriors showcased the balanced attack that has fueled their flawless start.

     

    Converge, meanwhile, enters the contest eager to erase the disappointment of a heartbreaking 110-107 loss to TNT Tropang 5G. The FiberXers fought until the final possession but came up just short, dropping to a 3-2 record after seeing a three-game winning run halted. Despite the defeat, Converge remains among the conference’s strongest contenders and now gets an immediate opportunity to bounce back against the league’s hottest team.

     

    Saturday’s opener presents a compelling contrast: NLEX has built its success on consistency and depth, while Converge is trying to show that one narrow defeat won’t derail its campaign.

     

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    TNT and San Miguel meet with momentum and urgency on the line as the second game offers another intriguing storyline as TNT Tropang 5G and the San Miguel Beermen square off with both teams chasing momentum for different reasons.

     

    TNT finally found its breakthrough after edging Converge, 110-107, behind another composed offensive performance. The victory provided a much-needed lift after an uneven start and gives the Tropang 5G confidence heading into one of their toughest assignments of the conference.

     

    San Miguel, on the other hand, enters the matchup looking to respond after absorbing its first defeat of the tournament. The Beermen were outplayed by the unbeaten Road Warriors, 110-99, ending what had been a strong 3-0 opening to their Governors’ Cup campaign.

     

    With both clubs expected to be among the contenders later in the conference, Saturday’s meeting could carry significance beyond the standings. TNT is searching for consecutive victories to climb back into the playoff picture, while San Miguel wants to quickly regain its footing before the race tightens.

     

    Every win becomes increasingly valuable as the elimination round progresses, making Saturday’s doubleheader more than just another day on the schedule—it could shape the balance of power heading into the next phase of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

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  • TNT replaces Darius Days with Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson in Governors’ Cup shake-up

    TNT replaces Darius Days with Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson in Governors’ Cup shake-up

    TNT Tropang Giga have made a significant change to their roster just four games into the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup, bringing back familiar reinforcement Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson in an effort to strengthen their campaign after an inconsistent start to the conference.

     

    The Tropang Giga have opened the tournament with a 2-2 win-loss record, a performance that has shown flashes of their championship pedigree but also exposed areas that require immediate improvement. While the team managed to grind out a dramatic 110-107 comeback victory over the Converge FiberXers on Tuesday, July 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, management wasted little time in making a change at the import position.

     

    Team manager Jojo Lastimosa confirmed after the victory that the franchise has decided to replace Darius Days with Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, who has already arrived in the Philippines.

     

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    “He is already in town,” Lastimosa told reporters after the game, confirming the move that had been widely anticipated following TNT’s uneven performances in the opening stretch of the conference.

     

    Rahlir’s return gives TNT a familiar face who already understands the team’s system and the demands of playing in the PBA. The older brother of former TNT star import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Rahlir previously suited up for the Tropang Giga during the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup after stepping in as an injury replacement for his younger brother.

     

    Although his stint with TNT was relatively brief, Rahlir quickly demonstrated his versatility, defensive intensity, and willingness to embrace the team’s culture. Those qualities made him a logical choice as the organization searched for a proven replacement capable of making an immediate impact.

    The decision to part ways with Days comes after a disappointing four-game spell in which the American import struggled to meet expectations. Despite arriving with an impressive basketball résumé, Days failed to consistently provide the production TNT expected from its primary reinforcement.

     

    His most difficult outing came against Converge, where he was limited to just 10 points while shooting 10-of-19 from the field, a performance that highlighted concerns about his conditioning and mobility. Throughout TNT’s opening games, Days often looked a step behind on both ends of the floor, making it difficult for the Tropang Giga to establish their preferred pace and offensive rhythm.

     

    Head coach Chot Reyes did not mince words when discussing the reasons behind the decision.

     

    “Darius is not the Darius Days that we had a couple of years ago. He is completely overweight, out of shape and I think it shows in the game and affects the play of our locals,” Reyes said.

     

    The veteran coach emphasized that an import’s role extends beyond scoring, noting that the team’s overall execution and chemistry had suffered because Days was unable to provide the energy and consistency expected from a foreign reinforcement.

     

    With Rahlir now back in the fold, TNT hopes to inject new life into a squad looking to establish momentum in a highly competitive Governors’ Cup. His familiarity with Reyes’ system should ease the transition, allowing him to contribute immediately on both offense and defense.

     

    The timing of the move is also crucial, as the Tropang Giga face one of the conference’s biggest challenges in their next assignment against the San Miguel Beermen on Saturday, August 1, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. With Rahlir expected to be available for selection, TNT will be banking on his experience, versatility, and defensive presence to help the team build on its comeback victory over Converge and climb further up the standings.

     

    For TNT, the change represents more than simply replacing one import with another. It is an early statement that the organization remains committed to competing for another championship and is willing to make decisive moves to keep its title aspirations firmly on track.

     

     

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