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Tag: TNT Tropang Giga

  • 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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  • Meralco suffers major blow as Chris Newsome will miss Game 5 due to MCL sprain

    Meralco suffers major blow as Chris Newsome will miss Game 5 due to MCL sprain

    The TNT Tropang Giga moved one win away from securing a spot in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals after dismantling the Meralco Bolts, 102-83, in Game 4 on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The victory gave TNT a commanding 3–1 lead in the best-of-seven semifinal series.

     

    Central to TNT’s win was Poy Erram, who delivered his strongest performance of the conference, anchoring the Tropang Giga with 27 points on an efficient 9-of-11 shooting, while also adding nine rebounds and two assists. Jordan Heading and Calvin Oftana provided additional firepower with 15 and 14 points, respectively, helping TNT seize control early and maintain it throughout the game.

     

    Meralco, meanwhile, struggled without their star player and captain Chris Newsome, who missed the game due to a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain on his left knee. Newsome confirmed he will also miss Game 5.

     

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    “Right now it’s just going through the recovery process, taking the precautions I need to do for me to be able to get back on the court. So listening to the team doctors and the team physicians and just taking it one step at a time till I am able to get back on the court,” Newsome told reporters.

     

    The 35-year-old guard added that he expects to be sidelined for at least three to five weeks, depending on how his injury heals.

     

    “There is a possibility it could be shorter, depending on the severity of the sprain. Right now we are just waiting for the inflammation to go down a bit. And I will be able to clear things up to where we have a better timeline for my return.

    “Game 5 that will be a tough one to try to reach. But it does help that we have an extra day between the game. So, I will be doing my share of recovery work from now until Wednesday so I can get out on the court. But it’s already a good sign I am able to work and stand on my own,” he added.

     

    Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo also confirmed Newsome’s status, noting that the situation “doesn’t look too good.”

     

    “You know, the MRI showed that it’s clear. But at this point, I think his priority has to be his health. We will see. So, I don’t see him playing the next game also. If ever, it might be next week,” Trillo said.

     

    Despite the injury setback, both Newsome and Trillo remain confident that Meralco can stage a comeback in the semifinal series.

     

    “It’s gonna take a complete team effort to try to get this, to try to turn this thing around. But again, it’s not impossible. It’s just gonna be really tough. We just gotta take it one possession at a time, one game at a time,” Newsome said.

     

    “We have to be better. It’s not over. We have to just focus on that next Wednesday game. We have to do things better,” Trillo added.

     

    Meralco will look to bounce back in Game 5, scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, hoping to extend the series and keep their Finals hopes alive.

     

     

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  • “Just try to stay aggressive”: Poy Erram happy to contribute as TNT take a 3-1 lead over Meralco

    “Just try to stay aggressive”: Poy Erram happy to contribute as TNT take a 3-1 lead over Meralco

    The TNT Tropang Giga moved one win away from securing a spot in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals after dismantling the Meralco Bolts, 102-83, in Game 4 on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The victory gave TNT a commanding 3–1 lead in the best-of-seven semifinal series.

     

    Poy Erram delivered his strongest performance of the conference, anchoring TNT’s dominance with 27 points on an efficient 9-of-11 shooting, while also tallying nine rebounds and two assists. Jordan Heading and Calvin Oftana provided additional firepower with 15 and 14 points, respectively, helping the Tropang Giga seize control early and never look back.

     

    For Erram, the standout performance marked a meaningful return to form following the knee injury that sidelined him in 2025. Now 36, the veteran center said he simply focused on staying aggressive.

     

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    “Nangyari na lang siya. Ako, I just tried to stay aggressive. Luckily, na-shoot yung mga tira ko. Grabe rin yung tiwala sa akin ng teammates ko, and I just stayed ready,” Erram said in the post match press conference.

    Despite recovering, Erram has seen limited action this conference, averaging just 6.2 minutes per game while playing behind Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Kelly Williams, and Henry Galinato in the team’s rotation.

     

    Still, the former Gilas Pilipinas big man remains committed to contributing in whatever way he can, especially with TNT missing key players Roger Pogoy (hamstring), Kelly Williams (illness), and Rey Nambatac (ankle).

     

    “Kahit limited yung minuto ko, I make it a point na pinapanood ko yung film, then sinisigaw ko yung plays ng kalaban para alam ng teammates ko kung ano yung tinatakbo nila. Wala namang conscious effort, and not necessarily sa offense, but on defense,” he added.

     

    Head coach Chot Reyes praised Erram’s professionalism and readiness despite inconsistent playing time.

     

    “I just keep telling him: ‘Ready ka lang.’ Whether he plays or not at all, we just tell him to stay ready. He also puts in the work during practice, so moments like this are exactly what it’s for,” Reyes said.

     

    TNT now aims to close out the series in Game 5, set for Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

     

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  • “Proud ako kasi magiging legend ako”: Ranidel de Ocampo on TNT retiring his No. 33 jersey

    “Proud ako kasi magiging legend ako”: Ranidel de Ocampo on TNT retiring his No. 33 jersey

    Former TNT star Ranidel de Ocampo has firmly cemented his legacy as one of the franchise’s greatest players and is set to be recognized as a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) legend.

     

    The TNT Tropang Giga recently announced that they will retire De Ocampo’s No. 33 jersey in his honor. The ceremony is scheduled to take place during halftime of the Philippine Cup semifinal Game 3 between TNT and the Meralco Bolts on Friday, January 9, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Currently serving as an assistant coach under Chot Reyes for TNT, De Ocampo expressed his pride in receiving such a rare recognition.

     

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    “Siyempre very proud ako kasi bihira lang naman ‘yung mabibigyan ng ganitong kumbaga recognition. At ito pang dati kong team na Talk ‘N Text, nilaruan ko Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, ‘yun ‘yung ire-retire na jersey,” he said in a media interaction.

     

    “Proud ako kasi kumbaga magiging legend ako. Masarap din ‘pag natatawag kang legend. ‘Yun nga, PBA legend. At the same time, kumbaga parang nagbunga ‘yung pinaghirapan mo,” he added.

    At 44 years old, De Ocampo becomes only the third TNT player to have his jersey retired, joining PBA legends Jimmy Alapag (No. 3) and Harvey Carey (No. 4). He also took a moment to acknowledge the people who contributed to his success.

     

    “Kasama ko doon ang sa pag-asenso ko, sa pagiging successful ng career ko, ang pamilya ko, ang mga magulang ko, ang mga kapatid ko. Pati mother ko, ayan. At siyempre ang solid sa TNT fans, saka ‘yung team RDO exclusive. Nagpapasalamat ako sa kanila. Kasama ko sila hanggang nga ngayon na hindi na ako naglalaro, nandiyan parin sila sumusuporta,” he said.

     

    De Ocampo’s career in the PBA began when he was selected fourth overall by FedEx/Air21 Express in the 2004 draft. He joined TNT in 2008 and played with the franchise until 2017. During his time with the Tropang Giga, he won six PBA championships, was named a two-time PBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP), earned the PBA Best Player of the Conference award in the 2014 Governors’ Cup, and received nine PBA All-Star nominations.

     

    Reflecting on his career highlights, De Ocampo singled out his first championship as particularly memorable.

     

    “‘Yung first championship ko, ‘yun ding year na ‘yun, ‘yung conference na ‘yun. So ‘yun ‘yung pinaka-memorable sa akin. ‘Yung very, very first championship kasama ko ‘yung kapatid ko si kuya Yancy,” he recalled.

     

    With the retirement of his No. 33 jersey, TNT will not only honor De Ocampo’s on-court achievements but also celebrate his enduring influence on the franchise, both as a player and a mentor. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of TNT players, ensuring that Ranidel de Ocampo remains a true icon of Philippine basketball.

     

     

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  •  “We are down, but we are definitely not out”: Chris Newsome urges Bolts to stay confident

     “We are down, but we are definitely not out”: Chris Newsome urges Bolts to stay confident

    The Meralco Bolts’ struggles in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals continued on Wednesday, January 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, as they fell to the TNT Tropang Giga, 109-92, in Game 2.

     

    Jordan Heading and Calvin Oftana spearheaded TNT’s dominant performance, combining for 50 points and putting added pressure on Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo to make significant adjustments heading into the rest of the best-of-seven series.

     

    Despite back-to-back defeats, Bolts captain Chris Newsome remains steadfast, urging his teammates to maintain a resilient “down but not out” mindset.

     

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    “I mean, it’s always tough, especially after a loss like that, where we didn’t have a chance in that game. You know they kept the lead. They kept us spread there. A very difficult position to be in. The morale of the team is down right now, but we are definitely not out,” Newsome said in a media interaction.

     

    “The one thing I wanted the guys to continue to embrace is the belief that we can continue to win and we continue to play good basketball. And these last two games don’t define who we are as a program and who we are as individuals. And we really have to play this series all the way out,” he added.

    The 35-year-old guard emphasized that Meralco’s veterans continue to remind the younger players that the series is far from over.

     

    “I think that’s the biggest takeaway for us is that they have to win four. We can’t let these two losses affect our morale and our team spirit. So that’s the main thing, taking that experience from our veterans and the ones that have been in multiple series before. A lot of us have been to game sevens. In a series, anything can happen,” Newsome continued.

     

    Meralco’s Game 2 effort was further hampered by Newsome’s early exit after dislocating his left pinky finger, limiting his availability and removing the Bolts’ most influential on-court presence.

     

    “I dislocated my left pinky. It was a clean dislocation. Our team physician popped it back in place, taped it up, and I just went out there and continued to play. Me having to take an early exit didn’t really help. You know I wanted to be out there to help the team start. But I think that’s where you have to show the capabilities of the team, regardless of who’s in the game, they have to be able to perform, they have to be able to execute the game plan.

     

    “It’s just unfortunate what happened to me earlier in the game. But I was able to get it back together and try my best to help the team win despite the injury I sustained,” Newsome concluded.

     

    With the Bolts now facing a crucial juncture in the semifinals, Newsome hopes the team can regroup and respond when the series resumes with Game 3 on Friday, January 9, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

     

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  • Luigi Trillo takes the blame after Meralco falls to a 0-2 deficit against TNT in the PBA semifinals

    Luigi Trillo takes the blame after Meralco falls to a 0-2 deficit against TNT in the PBA semifinals

    The Meralco Bolts’ struggles in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals continued on Wednesday, January 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, as they absorbed a 109-92 defeat to the TNT Tropang Giga in Game 2.

     

    Jordan Heading and Calvin Oftana powered TNT’s victory, combining for 50 points and leaving Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo with major adjustments to consider. Trillo took full responsibility for the loss, acknowledging that the Tropang Giga outclassed his team across the board.

     

    “We didn’t play well today, obviously. They hit a lot of their threes. I just felt that their intensity was on another level, that’s why they are Talk ‘N Text. They are hitting every shot. They were on point. Their defense was bar none. Oftana played like he is Calvin Oftana, the best forward right now. And Jordan Heading played well. Hats off to Talk ‘N Text. They outplayed us today in every quarter. More than anything, that’s on me first,” Trillo said in the postmatch press conference.

     

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    Meralco’s shooting woes underscored their off-night, connecting on just one three-pointer and finishing with a 41.7 percent field-goal clip. The Bolts did earn more opportunities from the line—35 free throws compared to TNT’s 11—but failed to capitalize on the advantage in momentum and energy.

     

    “We only had 14 fouls. We had a lot of free throws. It’s funny, we complained about the free throws. We had a lot of free throws but our energy was not here whatsoever,” Trillo added.

    The coach also noted the impact of playing without team consultant Nenad Vučinić, whose presence on the sidelines typically influences Meralco’s execution. Vučinić is currently in New Zealand for his daughter’s wedding and is expected to miss Game 3 as well.

     

    “Yeah I think when a coach is in his flow. And obviously, he has the pulse of the team and we are winning, that’s very hard. When somebody comes in, it’s different. But you know, I will take this one. It’s on me.

     

    “He will be back soon. The next couple of games he will still be there. We will see, he has some family things to attend to,” Trillo continued.

     

    Despite falling into a 0-2 hole in the best-of-seven series, Trillo remains optimistic that Meralco can regroup and respond.

     

    “At this point, there’s still a lot of games to be played. Just moving forward, we need to play better. Just from the start, when you give 29, 28, 25, and 27 points in four quarters, we don’t deserve to win. That’s not our calling card.

     

    “No excuses here. We need to be better. We have to see the video. If we are gonna even have a chance, we are going to need to up everything that we are doing. Because right now we don’t look like a well-oiled machine,” he said.

     

    Meralco will aim to stay alive in the series when the semifinals resume with Game 3 on Friday, January 9, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

     

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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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