TNT Tropang 5G Seizes Early Advantage in PBA Philippine Cup Finals
In a thrilling and intense showdown, the TNT Tropang 5G opened the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals with a hard-fought 96-91 victory over the defending champions, San Miguel Beer. The game took place on Wednesday night, January 21, 2026, at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo, setting the stage for a competitive race-to-four series.
A Strong Start and Tense Finish
TNT stormed out of the gates with impressive energy, building a commanding lead that reached as high as 19 points at one stage. However, San Miguel Beer, known for their resilience, mounted a fierce comeback in the fourth quarter. They trimmed the deficit to just one point early in the final period, putting immense pressure on the Tropang 5G.
Despite the Beermen's rally, TNT managed to withstand the challenge, showcasing their composure under pressure. The game remained nail-bitingly close until the final buzzer, with TNT ultimately securing the win to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Key Players and Team Effort
The victory was a testament to TNT's balanced offensive attack, with six players scoring in double figures. Veteran forward Kelly Williams led the charge with a solid performance of 15 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. His leadership was crucial in countering San Miguel's star center, June Mar Fajardo, who put up a dominant 24 points and 17 rebounds.
Other notable contributors for TNT included Calvin Oftana, who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Jordan Heading, who added 13 points and eight boards. Henry Galinato chipped in with 12 points, while Rey Nambatac and Simon Enciso contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser also played a pivotal role down the stretch, scoring six of his eight points in the crucial homestretch.
Critical Moments and Turnovers
The game's intensity peaked in the final minutes when TNT, holding a 92-87 lead with ball possession, committed back-to-back turnovers by Oftana and Nambatac. This allowed San Miguel to close the gap to 91-92, threatening to steal the win. However, TNT refused to falter, with Jordan Heading stepping up to calmly sink four consecutive free throws, sealing the deal for the Tropang 5G.
Coach Chot Reyes of TNT 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," he said, highlighting the turnovers that nearly cost them the game.
Looking Ahead to the Series
With this narrow victory, TNT has gained an early psychological edge in the finals. Kelly Williams, reflecting on the win, stated, "It's just one game, and we'll take the same approach – one game at a time – for the whole series." This mindset will be essential as both teams prepare for the upcoming games, promising more high-stakes basketball action in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The Tropang 5G's ability to outrebound San Miguel 31-19 and perform well in other key aspects of the game was a significant factor in their success. As the series progresses, fans can expect more intense battles and strategic adjustments from both sides.
