TNT secured the final semifinals berth in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup after defeating NLEX, 118-112, on Saturday at Ynares Center in Antipolo, completing the league’s Final Four lineup and extending their title defense into the next round.

The Tropang 5G built on their earlier 96-93 win over the Road Warriors in the quarterfinal series, finishing the job to eliminate NLEX and setting up a best-of-seven semifinal clash against Meralco while also finalizing the Final Four cast alongside Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine.

Coach Chot Reyes and TNT now prepare for a semifinal battle against Meralco, with both teams advancing into a deeper stage of the playoffs beginning Wednesday alongside Ginebra and Rain or Shine.

TNT advances to semifinals

TNT controlled key stretches of the contest through a balanced offensive effort that featured Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, and Jayson Castro providing consistent scoring throughout the game. The team also stabilized itself during NLEX runs by executing better in transition and limiting empty possessions in the second half.

The Tropang 5G closed the game with improved possession control in the final minutes. That approach prevented NLEX from extending the contest and forced the Road Warriors into rushed sets down the stretch. TNT’s discipline on both ends allowed them to maintain control even as the margin tightened late.

Coach Chot Reyes credited the return of a healthy roster as a major factor in the win. He noted that continuity improved rotations, stabilized chemistry, and allowed the team to sustain execution across all four quarters after earlier struggles in the eliminations.

NLEX puts up strong effort

NLEX stayed competitive behind a dominant performance from Cady Lalanne, who finished with 46 points and 15 rebounds while anchoring the offense inside throughout the game. His presence forced TNT into frequent interior adjustments and second-chance coverage.

Schonny Winston added 24 points through aggressive scoring runs that kept NLEX within reach during key stretches of the matchup. Robert Bolick contributed 16 points as the Road Warriors continued pushing late into the fourth quarter.

Despite strong individual performances, NLEX could not overcome TNT’s depth and late-game execution. The Road Warriors remained in contention deep into the game but struggled to generate enough stops in the closing possessions.

TNT now moves on to a best-of-seven semifinal series against Meralco. This completes the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Final Four cast as the tournament shifts into its next stage.

Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine complete the other semifinal pairing, with both series set to begin on Wednesday.