TNT Tropang 5G polished their Game 1 victory with a dominant performance over the Meralco Bolts, winning 109-92 on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The win gave TNT a commanding 2-0 lead in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals.

The Tropang 5G came out firing from the opening tip, building an early 29-19 advantage and extending the lead as large as 24 points. Meralco struggled to respond as TNT maintained consistent pressure on both ends of the floor.

Jordan Heading and Calvin Oftana led the Tropa’s scoring with a combined six three-pointers and 50 points. Heading finished with 26 points, seven rebounds, and one block, while Oftana contributed 24 points, helping TNT extend control throughout the game.

TNT’s firepower overwhelms Meralco

Kelly Williams and RR Pogoy added 12 points each, with Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser chipping in 11. TNT improved from three three-pointers in Game 1 to four in Game 2, demonstrating their depth and shooting efficiency.

Heading emphasized the importance of staying aggressive, executing their coach’s plan with relentless intensity. TNT’s balanced offense and smart defensive rotations kept Meralco on the back foot throughout the contest.

Defensively, TNT held Meralco to just 1-of-14 from three-point range. Kurt Reyson sank Meralco’s lone trey late in the game, finishing 2-of-2 from beyond the arc, but it was too little, too late to shift momentum.

Momentum swings toward TNT

TNT’s combination of offense and defense leaves them just two wins away from returning to the all-Filipino finals. Game 3 is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 9, at Smart Araneta Coliseum, where the Tropang 5G will aim to continue their dominant run.

With multiple players contributing consistently on both ends, TNT showcased the discipline and depth needed to control the semifinals series. Their performance sets the tone for a potentially decisive Game 3.