TNT steadied itself in crunch time and turned back a stubborn Macau side, 119-112, to revive its campaign in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday, April 24, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Tropang 5G absorbed relentless pressure down the stretch before leaning on timely execution to finally put the game away.

The victory came at a crucial point for TNT, which was coming off a frustrating loss and needed a response to stay in the hunt for a top-four finish. With the win, the Tropang 5G improved to 6-3, keeping their positioning intact heading into the final stretch of the eliminations.

The game itself unfolded as a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading runs and refusing to yield control for long stretches. Macau, despite its depleted rotation, matched TNT possession for possession and turned the contest into a grind that demanded composure in the closing minutes.

Bol Bol powers TNT as offense clicks back

Bol Bol anchored TNT’s resurgence with a commanding all-around performance, finishing with 37 points and 14 rebounds while consistently punishing mismatches inside. His presence provided stability whenever Macau threatened to shift momentum.

Jordan Heading added 20 points and delivered crucial baskets late, while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser chipped in 17 markers, including a key third-quarter stretch that helped TNT regain control. Calvin Oftana complemented the effort with 16 points and 10 rebounds, giving the Tropang 5G multiple scoring options.

A key difference for TNT was its improved shooting from beyond the arc, converting 10 of 31 attempts after struggling heavily in its previous outing. That modest improvement gave the team just enough spacing to operate offensively and counter Macau’s defensive pressure.

Despite the offensive lift, TNT still had to navigate multiple tense sequences, as Macau repeatedly found ways to close the gap and force the game into another tight finish. The ability to respond under pressure ultimately defined the outcome.

Macau rallies but falls short late

Macau refused to back down and mounted a fierce comeback in the final minutes, erasing a double-digit deficit and threatening to steal the game. The Black Knights capitalized on defensive lapses and executed well enough to bring the contest within a single possession.

Phoenix Shackelford led the charge with 31 points and 13 rebounds, attacking relentlessly and keeping Macau within striking distance. Damian Chongqui added a career-high 29 points along with eight assists, orchestrating the offense and exploiting openings in TNT’s defense.

Tony Mitchell imposed his presence inside with 19 points and 17 rebounds, helping Macau stay competitive on the boards and generate second-chance opportunities. The team’s collective effort resulted in 16 deadlocks and 11 lead changes, underscoring how closely fought the match was.

A late surge trimmed TNT’s lead to just one point, but missed opportunities in the final possessions proved costly for Macau. Jordan Heading calmly knocked down free throws in the closing seconds to seal the result, allowing TNT to escape with the win.

The loss dropped Macau to 1-8, officially ending its playoff hopes despite a performance that showcased resilience and fight until the final buzzer.