Calvin Oftana led TNT Tropang Giga with 25 points as the team rolled past Blackwater 113-96 on Friday, December 19, at Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The Tropa’s hot shooting from beyond the arc set the tone early, leaving Blackwater unable to match the offensive firepower.

Roger Pogoy returned from a calf injury to contribute 18 points on 4-of-6 three-point shooting, while Henry Galinato added 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists off the bench. TNT quickly built momentum and never trailed, at one point stretching the lead to 26 points.

TNT improved to 7-3 and currently holds third place in the standings. With one more win against Magnolia on Sunday, the Tropang Giga can secure the No. 3 seed and the win-once advantage in the quarterfinals.

Team defense sets the tone

Coach Chot Reyes stressed that defense was key to controlling the game and preparing for Magnolia. “We needed to focus on stopping them first to position ourselves for the final two elimination games,” he said. “Defense is going to be tested on Sunday, so today was about building that intensity.”

Oftana echoed his coach’s focus on stops, saying, “Our mantra is defense first, then offense. We were a bit behind in defense this conference, and we’re working to bring it back in the upcoming games.”

Blackwater struggles to respond

Troy Mallillin led Blackwater with 20 points, but the Elite could not overcome TNT’s dominant shooting. Sedrick Barefield and Christian David added 13 points each, but combined for only 11-of-29 field goals.

Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser chipped in 12 points and eight rebounds, while Jordan Heading contributed 11 points off three triples. TNT finished with 18 made three-pointers compared to Blackwater’s six, underscoring the disparity and setting the stage for their crucial matchup against Magnolia.