In a heart-stopping finish, the TNT Tropang 5G executed flawlessly in the final moments to edge out the Meralco Bolts, 99-96, on Wednesday, January 15, 2026, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The victory sealed their semifinal series, 4-1, and propelled them into the championship round of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Clutch Plays Seal the Deal in Final Seconds
The game's outcome was decided in a frantic last 21 seconds. With TNT trailing, Rey Nambatac sank a crucial four-pointer to bring his team within a single point. On the ensuing possession, Jordan Heading stole the ball from Meralco's CJ Cansino and drove for a go-ahead layup, putting TNT up 97-96.
Not done yet, Calvin Oftana, who struggled offensively, made a monumental defensive play by blocking Cansino's layup attempt. The play resulted in Nambatac being fouled and calmly sinking two free throws for a 99-96 lead with only 6.4 seconds remaining. Cansino's desperate double-pump three-point attempt at the buzzer fell short, confirming TNT's trip to the Finals.
Key Performances and Coach's Reaction
Jordan Heading was the offensive engine for TNT, finishing with a game-high 31 points. Rey Nambatac added 25 points, including the clutch free throws, while Calvin Oftana contributed 10 points, six rebounds, and the game-saving block. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser provided a strong interior presence with 12 points and five blocks.
Winning coach Chot Reyes praised his team's composure after surrendering an early 15-point lead and facing a five-point deficit with just 28 seconds left. "It really took our best to come out victorious," Reyes stated. He highlighted the team's unwavering belief, quoting his players in the huddle: "'Kaya pa iyan, kaya pa iyan (We can still do this).' So there was a lot of positive energy."
Meralco's Valiant Effort Falls Short
Despite the loss, Meralco received a heroic performance from CJ Cansino, who scored a career-high 36 points. Aaron Black provided excellent support off the bench with 17 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. The Bolts' campaign was hampered by injuries, playing without Chris Newsome and losing Jansen Rios in the third quarter to a right knee injury.
With this win, TNT advances to its fourth consecutive PBA Finals, where it will have a chance to claim the Philippine Cup crown that slipped away last season. They await the winner of the other semifinal between San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra, where the Beermen now lead 3-2.
