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TNT Pulls Away While SMB Levels The Series in A Night Of Big Statements
Photo credit: PBA
After barely escaping with a win in Game 1, TNT came back sharper, faster, and far more confident — cruising to a dominant 109–92 victory over the Meralco Bolts to go up 2–0 in their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
From the opening tip, TNT was in full control. The Tropang 5G built an early double-digit lead and never let Meralco get comfortable. Jordan Heading led the charge with 26 points, including four big triples, while also grabbing seven rebounds and swatting a shot. Calvin Oftana backed him up with 24, as the two combined for a 50-point show.
“We’re keeping our eyes on the prize and not getting ahead of ourselves,” Heading said, crediting the team’s mindset to staying aggressive from start to finish.
TNT opened with a strong 29–19 first quarter and eventually led by as many as 24. Their outside shooting also woke up — after hitting just three threes in Game 1, they buried several more this time, while clamping down on Meralco and limiting the Bolts to a rough 1-of-14 from deep.
Game 3 is on Friday, with TNT now just two wins away from another trip to the all-Filipino finals.
Meanwhile, over in the other semifinal bracket, San Miguel found its spark.
Jeron Teng came off the bench and delivered exactly what the Beermen needed, helping San Miguel tie its series against Barangay Ginebra at 1–1. Teng finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists — impressive, especially after not seeing action in Game 1.
June Mar Fajardo, who once again dominated with 21 points and 23 rebounds, made sure Teng got the credit he deserved.
“Shout out kay Jeron. Ang ganda ng nilaro niya. Siya ‘yong magic bunot namin,” Fajardo said, praising Teng’s hustle and preparation.
With Teng’s energy and Fajardo’s steady presence, San Miguel steadied the ship and turned the series back into anyone’s game.
Both semis heat up again on Friday at the Big Dome — and if tonight is any indication, fans are in for a wild ride.
From the opening tip, TNT was in full control. The Tropang 5G built an early double-digit lead and never let Meralco get comfortable. Jordan Heading led the charge with 26 points, including four big triples, while also grabbing seven rebounds and swatting a shot. Calvin Oftana backed him up with 24, as the two combined for a 50-point show.
“We’re keeping our eyes on the prize and not getting ahead of ourselves,” Heading said, crediting the team’s mindset to staying aggressive from start to finish.
TNT opened with a strong 29–19 first quarter and eventually led by as many as 24. Their outside shooting also woke up — after hitting just three threes in Game 1, they buried several more this time, while clamping down on Meralco and limiting the Bolts to a rough 1-of-14 from deep.
Game 3 is on Friday, with TNT now just two wins away from another trip to the all-Filipino finals.
Meanwhile, over in the other semifinal bracket, San Miguel found its spark.
Jeron Teng came off the bench and delivered exactly what the Beermen needed, helping San Miguel tie its series against Barangay Ginebra at 1–1. Teng finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists — impressive, especially after not seeing action in Game 1.
June Mar Fajardo, who once again dominated with 21 points and 23 rebounds, made sure Teng got the credit he deserved.
“Shout out kay Jeron. Ang ganda ng nilaro niya. Siya ‘yong magic bunot namin,” Fajardo said, praising Teng’s hustle and preparation.
With Teng’s energy and Fajardo’s steady presence, San Miguel steadied the ship and turned the series back into anyone’s game.
Both semis heat up again on Friday at the Big Dome — and if tonight is any indication, fans are in for a wild ride.
Jan 8, 2026
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