PBA: TNT escapes Meralco, books fifth straight finals stint

TNT is back in the PBA Finals after ousting Meralco, 97-94, in Game 6 of their Commissioner's Cup semifinal series on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The victory marked the Tropang 5G's fifth straight Finals appearance dating back to the 2024 Governors' Cup, as they closed out the series, 4-2.

TNT held a 94-88 lead with 4:03 remaining in the fourth quarter before Meralco unleashed a 6-0 run after Tropang 5G import Chris McCullough fouled out.

Jordan Heading then completed a three-point play to give TNT enough breathing room, while CJ Cansino missed a four-point attempt and Jason Brickman failed to convert from beyond the arc, allowing the Tropang 5G to seal the victory.

Despite playing all-Filipino in the closing moments, TNT head coach Chot Reyes said he only had to remind his players of what happened earlier in the series when former import Bol Bol suffered an injury that eventually led to his exit.

“I think a big factor was the second half of Game 2 and Game 3 of this series. Although we lost Game 2, our message to the players was that we had proven that we could play this team all-Filipino. We almost pulled Game 2 out, and that helped us win Game 3 even without an import,” he recalled.

“That situation happened again today in the last quarter when C-Mac fouled out. Again, it was just a reminder in the huddle that I told the players that we’ve been here before. We know how to play without an import, and that is what it is going to take to win this game.”

Heading led the charge with 30 points, including seven triples, along with one rebound and one assist, while McCullough finished with 22 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.

Import Patrick Gardner, meanwhile, capped his PBA stint with 32 points, 13 rebounds, and two assists, while Chris Newsome added 15 points, two rebounds, one steal, and one assist.

TNT will face Barangay Ginebra in the Finals once again as it looks to defend its Commissioner's Cup crown.

Scores:

TNT 97 – Heading 30, McCullough 22, Oftana 12, Ganuelas-Rosser 9, Pogoy 8, Williams 7, Nambatac 5, Castro 4, Khobuntin 0, Aurin 0.

Meralco 94 – Gardner 32, Newsome 15, Quinto 14, Brickman 11, Hodge 11, Mocon 5, Banchero 4, Cansino 2, Rios 0, Bates 0.

Quarters: 29-25, 51-44, 79-71, 97-94.

—JKC, GMA News