TNT Tropang 5G Seeks 2-0 Advantage in PBA Finals After Hard-Fought Game 1 Victory
The TNT Tropang 5G emerged victorious in a tense Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup finals, defeating the San Miguel Beermen with a score of 96-91 on Wednesday night, January 21, 2026. However, the win did not come easily, as the team faced significant defensive pressure, particularly on big man Poy Erram, who struggled with his shots while being heavily guarded by San Miguel's June Mar Fajardo and Rodney Brondial.
Game 1 Highlights and Challenges
In the opening match of the best-of-seven series, TNT managed to overcome a tough challenge, but the game remained competitive until the final buzzer. The Tropang 5G built a 19-point lead at one point, only to see it shrink, highlighting the resilience of the Beermen, led by nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo. This narrow margin serves as a stark reminder of the strength San Miguel brings to the court, especially with their Cebuano giant dominating the paint.
TNT coach Chot Reyes expressed satisfaction with the win but emphasized the need for improvement. "Obviously, we're happy with the win but we have so much to work on, and we have one day to correct our mistakes," Reyes stated in a post-game interview published on the official PBA website. He pointed out that the team's 19 turnovers in Game 1 were a critical factor that made the victory harder to secure, and he stressed the importance of reducing these errors moving forward.
Looking Ahead to Game 2
The Tropang 5G now aim to post a 2-0 advantage as they face the defending champion San Miguel Beermen again in Game 2, scheduled for Friday night, January 23, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City. To complete their mission and take control of the series, TNT must double their efforts, as the Beermen are determined to bounce back and even the score.
San Miguel coach Leo Austria praised TNT's performance in Game 1 but remains hopeful for a comeback in the upcoming match. The Beermen's lineup, featuring key players like Fajardo and Mo Tautuaa, who scored 24 and 22 points respectively, poses a continuous threat that TNT must address.
Key Statistics from Game 1
The box scores from the intense opener reveal the contributions from both teams:
- TNT Tropang 5G (96 points): Mikey Williams led with 15 points, supported by Jaydee Heading and Calvin Oftana with 13 each, along with other players like Dave Galinato and Mark Nambatac adding crucial scores.
- San Miguel Beermen (91 points): June Mar Fajardo top-scored with 24 points, followed by Mo Tautuaa with 22, and CJ Perez with 16, showcasing their offensive firepower.
The quarter scores were 29-20, 53-36, 70-64, and 96-91, indicating a game that saw momentum shifts and tight competition throughout. As the series progresses, both teams will need to adjust their strategies to gain an edge in this highly anticipated championship battle.
