TNT Tropang Giga moved within one win of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals after a commanding 102-83 victory over the Meralco Bolts on Sunday, Jan. 11, at the MOA Arena. The result gave TNT a 3-1 series edge and shifted momentum firmly in their favor.

The Tropang 5G dominated early, sparked by Poy Erram’s 27-point explosion, including 12 in the first quarter, which set the tone for a game they never trailed. TNT combined scoring balance, timely defense, and board control to bounce back from their Game Three loss, putting Meralco on the back foot.

TNT seizes control with hot start

Erram led the way efficiently, shooting 9-of-11 from the field while adding nine rebounds, three blocks, and two assists. Supporting him, Jordan Heading, Calvin Oftana, and Kim Aurin all reached double figures, giving TNT the firepower needed to exploit Meralco’s rotation without Chris Newsome.

Coach Chot Reyes highlighted the team’s defensive focus and rebounding as critical to the turnaround. “Without Roger (Pogoy), we thought the only way we can win this game would be playing good defense,” Reyes said. TNT also connected on 12-of-31 three-pointers, while Meralco struggled from deep, allowing TNT to control the tempo.

Meralco pressured, but series still alive

Meralco relied on Chris Banchero (19 points), Cliff Hodge (17), and CJ Cansino (17) after Newsome was sidelined with an MCL issue. Despite their efforts, they could not match TNT’s efficiency or overcome the early deficit.

With a 3-1 series lead, TNT now holds three chances to close out the semifinals in Game Five on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Erram stressed the importance of staying aggressive despite the advantage. “Meralco is Meralco. They have good coaches and good players. We’re staying aggressive lang. Ang importante lang we got the first three steps,” he said. The series remains alive, but TNT’s performance has put them on the cusp of a Philippine Cup Finals appearance.