Bol Bol delivered a towering performance, erupting for 50 points to power TNT Tropang 5G to a 97-92 escape over Titan Ultra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Saturday at the Ynares Center in Montalban.

The high-scoring display proved crucial as TNT weathered a determined challenge from the Giant Risers, who pushed the game deep into the fourth quarter before finally yielding. Bol’s dominance carried the Tropang 5G through adversity, including the early ejection of Calvin Oftana and the absence of key scorers.

TNT secured its third straight victory, improving to 5-2 and moving into a tie with Meralco for third place in the standings.

Bol takes over late as TNT survives scare

With the game hanging in the balance, Bol erupted in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 points and leading a decisive 12-0 run that turned a tight contest into a manageable lead. He accounted for 10 points in that stretch, helping TNT flip a deficit into an 85-78 advantage.

That surge ultimately proved to be the difference as Titan continued to threaten but could not fully recover from the late burst. Bol’s clutch scoring sealed the outcome in favor of the Tropang 5G.

“We had to rely on the scoring of Bol to make up for the absence of our gunners. That’s why it was Bol who had to take the bulk of the scoring for us,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes.

Despite struggling from beyond the arc for most of the game, Bol ignited the run with a triple followed by an and-one play, sparking TNT’s most decisive stretch of the contest.

Titan fights back but falls short despite strong showing

Titan Ultra refused to back down, building a 66-58 lead in the third quarter and later extending it to 78-70 early in the fourth. The Giant Risers capitalized on TNT’s turnovers, converting them into a steady stream of points to stay in control for long stretches.

Even as TNT tightened its execution, Titan continued to respond with timely baskets, making the closing minutes a tense battle. However, the late-game composure of the Tropang 5G ultimately proved too much to overcome.

Earl Gilmore led Titan with 33 points and 15 rebounds, while Joshua Munzon added 21 points, five assists, and four steals in a strong all-around effort. Despite their contributions, the team absorbed its second straight loss, falling to 2-5.

Bol’s all-around brilliance lifts TNT amid adversity

Beyond his scoring explosion, Bol made his presence felt across the board, finishing with 17 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and six blocks in a dominant all-around showing witnessed by former NBA star Luol Deng. His performance tied the conference-high scoring mark.

TNT also drew key contributions from its supporting cast after Oftana’s early exit due to an F2 foul following a collision with rookie Mark Denver Omega in the first quarter.

“It’s just the next man up. Glenn and I thought Kevin played a really good game. I thought we also got good minutes, a few minutes of good production from Kim Aurin so that’s just the story of this game,” Reyes said.

Kevin Ferrer, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and Jayson Castro all played crucial roles during the decisive run, helping TNT regain control and complete the comeback.

Despite committing 18 turnovers that allowed Titan to stay within striking distance, TNT found a way to steady itself in the closing stretch behind Bol’s brilliance and timely support.