SPORTS
Advocates Philippines
TNT Survives Meralco Thriller, Sets Up Finals Clash With Ginebra
Photo credit: PBA
Defending champions TNT are back in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals after edging Meralco, 97-94, in a tense Game 6 finish on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Tropang 5G leaned on a huge outing from Jordan Heading, who caught fire from deep and knocked down seven three-pointers en route to a 30-point performance, powering TNT to its fifth straight finals appearance.
With the win, TNT now sets up another high-voltage rivalry showdown against Barangay Ginebra, which earlier booked its own Finals ticket after a 118-107 win over Rain or Shine before a record crowd of 11,321. The upcoming clash marks yet another chapter in what has become one of the league’s most familiar championship matchups.
Game 6 itself was anything but easy for TNT. After building a comfortable 91-77 lead with just over seven minutes left, the Tropang 5G nearly saw it slip away as Meralco mounted a late surge to tie the game at 94-all with 1:41 remaining.
But Heading delivered in the clutch, converting a crucial play off Meralco import Patrick Gardner to restore TNT’s lead. From there, the defending champions held firm as Meralco failed to capitalize on its final possession, with CJ Cansino missing a potential game-winner that could have forced a deciding Game 7.
TNT also had to close out the game without Chris McCullough, who fouled out in the final minutes after finishing with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Despite the pressure and a relentless Meralco comeback, TNT found a way to escape and extend its championship run—now just one series away from another title defense showdown against a familiar rival in Ginebra.
The Tropang 5G leaned on a huge outing from Jordan Heading, who caught fire from deep and knocked down seven three-pointers en route to a 30-point performance, powering TNT to its fifth straight finals appearance.
With the win, TNT now sets up another high-voltage rivalry showdown against Barangay Ginebra, which earlier booked its own Finals ticket after a 118-107 win over Rain or Shine before a record crowd of 11,321. The upcoming clash marks yet another chapter in what has become one of the league’s most familiar championship matchups.
Game 6 itself was anything but easy for TNT. After building a comfortable 91-77 lead with just over seven minutes left, the Tropang 5G nearly saw it slip away as Meralco mounted a late surge to tie the game at 94-all with 1:41 remaining.
But Heading delivered in the clutch, converting a crucial play off Meralco import Patrick Gardner to restore TNT’s lead. From there, the defending champions held firm as Meralco failed to capitalize on its final possession, with CJ Cansino missing a potential game-winner that could have forced a deciding Game 7.
TNT also had to close out the game without Chris McCullough, who fouled out in the final minutes after finishing with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Despite the pressure and a relentless Meralco comeback, TNT found a way to escape and extend its championship run—now just one series away from another title defense showdown against a familiar rival in Ginebra.
Jun 1, 2026
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