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TNT Clinches Finals Spot As San Miguel Closes In
Photo credit: PBA
It was a heart-stopping Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as TNT Tropang 5G officially booked its spot in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals, while San Miguel Beer moved within striking distance of setting up yet another classic clash with its longtime rival.
TNT seals Finals return with clutch finish vs Meralco
TNT showed nerves of steel when it mattered most, pulling off a dramatic 99–96 escape over Meralco to close out their best-of-seven semifinal series, 4–1.
Jordan Heading was the man of the moment, exploding for 31 points and delivering the game-changing plays in the final seconds. But this win was all about teamwork and composure when everything was on the line.
Down by five in the final 28 seconds, Rey Nambatac drilled a massive four-pointer to pull TNT within one. Moments later, Heading picked off a CJ Cansino pass and converted an easy layup to give the Tropang 5G a 97–96 lead.
Meralco still had a chance, but Calvin Oftana, struggling offensively all night, made up for it on the defensive end with a crucial block on Cansino’s layup attempt. That led to two pressure-packed free throws by Nambatac, pushing the lead to 99–96 with just 6.4 seconds left.
Cansino’s last-gasp four-point attempt fell short, sealing TNT’s fourth straight Finals appearance—and another shot at the lone title that slipped through their fingers last season.
“It really took our best to come out victorious,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes. “Even when we were five points down, the players kept saying, ‘Kaya pa iyan.’ That positive energy carried us through.”
Nambatac finished with 25 points, while Oftana chipped in 10 points, six rebounds, and five blocks, including the biggest one of the night. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser added muscle inside with 12 points and five blocks.
Meralco, however, went down fighting. CJ Cansino poured in a career-high 36 points, while Aaron Black added 17 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists off the bench. But injuries to Chris Newsome and Jansen Rios, along with foul trouble and a quiet night from their big men, proved too much to overcome.
San Miguel inches closer to Finals, smells TNT rematch
Earlier in the evening, defending champion San Miguel Beer moved to the brink of the Finals with a gritty 115–109 win over Barangay Ginebra, grabbing a 3–2 series lead in their semifinal duel.
The Beermen built momentum with explosive runs in the middle quarters, then held their ground as Ginebra threatened late, cutting the lead to 99–111 with just over three minutes remaining. This time, though, San Miguel didn’t blink.
“We know Ginebra’s fighting spirit. Never say die talaga sila,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria. “That’s why we have to play our best every game.”
June Mar Fajardo, playing through injury, still delivered with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while CJ Perez added 20 and Mo Tautuaa chipped in 18 points and nine boards. Marcio Lassiter knocked down four triples for 16 points, and Don Trollano provided 13 off the bench.
Veteran guard Chris Ross was everywhere, posting nine points, eight assists, three rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, capped by hustle plays that shut the door on Ginebra’s comeback.
“I’m playing like it’s my last,” Ross said. “I’m just giving everything I’ve got.”
San Miguel now has two chances to close out the series, starting with Game 6 on Friday, once again at the Big Dome.
With TNT already waiting in the Finals, fans may be just one game away from seeing another Beermen vs Tropang 5G showdown—a fitting climax to the PBA’s 50th season.
TNT seals Finals return with clutch finish vs Meralco
TNT showed nerves of steel when it mattered most, pulling off a dramatic 99–96 escape over Meralco to close out their best-of-seven semifinal series, 4–1.
Jordan Heading was the man of the moment, exploding for 31 points and delivering the game-changing plays in the final seconds. But this win was all about teamwork and composure when everything was on the line.
Down by five in the final 28 seconds, Rey Nambatac drilled a massive four-pointer to pull TNT within one. Moments later, Heading picked off a CJ Cansino pass and converted an easy layup to give the Tropang 5G a 97–96 lead.
Meralco still had a chance, but Calvin Oftana, struggling offensively all night, made up for it on the defensive end with a crucial block on Cansino’s layup attempt. That led to two pressure-packed free throws by Nambatac, pushing the lead to 99–96 with just 6.4 seconds left.
Cansino’s last-gasp four-point attempt fell short, sealing TNT’s fourth straight Finals appearance—and another shot at the lone title that slipped through their fingers last season.
“It really took our best to come out victorious,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes. “Even when we were five points down, the players kept saying, ‘Kaya pa iyan.’ That positive energy carried us through.”
Nambatac finished with 25 points, while Oftana chipped in 10 points, six rebounds, and five blocks, including the biggest one of the night. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser added muscle inside with 12 points and five blocks.
Meralco, however, went down fighting. CJ Cansino poured in a career-high 36 points, while Aaron Black added 17 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists off the bench. But injuries to Chris Newsome and Jansen Rios, along with foul trouble and a quiet night from their big men, proved too much to overcome.
San Miguel inches closer to Finals, smells TNT rematch
Earlier in the evening, defending champion San Miguel Beer moved to the brink of the Finals with a gritty 115–109 win over Barangay Ginebra, grabbing a 3–2 series lead in their semifinal duel.
The Beermen built momentum with explosive runs in the middle quarters, then held their ground as Ginebra threatened late, cutting the lead to 99–111 with just over three minutes remaining. This time, though, San Miguel didn’t blink.
“We know Ginebra’s fighting spirit. Never say die talaga sila,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria. “That’s why we have to play our best every game.”
June Mar Fajardo, playing through injury, still delivered with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while CJ Perez added 20 and Mo Tautuaa chipped in 18 points and nine boards. Marcio Lassiter knocked down four triples for 16 points, and Don Trollano provided 13 off the bench.
Veteran guard Chris Ross was everywhere, posting nine points, eight assists, three rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, capped by hustle plays that shut the door on Ginebra’s comeback.
“I’m playing like it’s my last,” Ross said. “I’m just giving everything I’ve got.”
San Miguel now has two chances to close out the series, starting with Game 6 on Friday, once again at the Big Dome.
With TNT already waiting in the Finals, fans may be just one game away from seeing another Beermen vs Tropang 5G showdown—a fitting climax to the PBA’s 50th season.
Jan 15, 2026
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