With elimination looming, TNT Tropang 5G delivered when it mattered most, pulling off an 86-78 win over the San Miguel Beermen in Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, July 23. The Tropang 5G refused to fold and cut the series deficit to 2-3 behind a well-balanced effort led by Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser’s 18 points.

Coach Chot Reyes praised his team’s character, emphasizing their willingness to fight despite missing key players like Poy Erram. It was TNT’s 75th game this season, tying Alaska’s record from 1995. Glenn Khobuntin is set to break that mark as the only player who hasn’t missed a game in Season 49.

Ganuelas-Rosser and Kelly Williams sparked TNT’s offense early, combining for 28 first-half points to give their squad a 41-31 lead at the break. Their defense also stifled SMB, holding them to just 11-of-46 from the field in the first half.

TNT thwarts SMB rally, forces Game 6 

San Miguel made a push late in the third quarter and early in the fourth, cutting TNT’s lead to a single possession. But the Tropang 5G answered with poise and grit, unleashing an 18-point lead in the final stretch and holding on to keep their championship hopes alive.

Aside from Ganuelas-Rosser, five other players scored in double figures: Kelly Williams, Calvin Oftana, Jordan Heading, RR Pogoy, and Almond Vosotros. The undermanned TNT side showed collective effort on both ends, out-hustling SMB and capitalizing on defensive stops.

Game 6 is scheduled for Friday at the PhilSports Arena, where TNT will look to push the series to a deciding Game 7 and keep their grand slam aspirations intact.