TNT strengthened its playoff position after pulling away from Magnolia, 94-83, on Sunday, December 21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in the PBA Philippine Cup. The victory capped a strong finish to the eliminations and placed the Tropang 5G in prime position entering the quarterfinals.

After a closely contested first half, TNT imposed its will in the third quarter and never relinquished control. The win pushed the Tropa to an 8-3 record, securing third place and a twice-to-beat advantage.

Balanced scoring fueled TNT’s charge as several players delivered timely contributions on both ends of the floor. The result also benefited idle Converge, which clinched fourth place and the same quarterfinal incentive.

Third-quarter run flips momentum

TNT blew the game open in the third quarter with a sustained offensive surge that exposed Magnolia’s defensive lapses. Crisp ball movement and improved defensive pressure turned a narrow margin into a commanding lead.

Magnolia attempted to mount a response late in the game, briefly cutting the deficit to single digits. TNT stayed composed, executing down the stretch to shut down any realistic comeback bid.

Magnolia’s playoff path grows complicated

The loss dropped Magnolia to 6-5, leaving its quarterfinal matchup dependent on the outcome of the later Barangay Ginebra game. A Gin Kings win would force a rematch with TNT, while a loss could send the Hotshots into a showdown with Converge.

The game also marked LA Tenorio’s first appearance as Magnolia’s playing coach amid multiple injuries. While Tenorio provided leadership on the floor, newcomer Yuki Andrada stood out with a strong debut alongside the Hotshots’ established scorers.