Tio’s clutch game-winner shocks TNT as Phoenix pulls off overtime PBA stunner

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Phoenix Super LPG pulled off a dramatic 100-97 overtime victory over TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, powered by a game-winning triple from Tyler Tio in the final seconds of extra time. The result tightened the playoff race as both teams moved into a critical stretch of the eliminations.

The game swung back and forth through regulation, with TNT forcing overtime behind key baskets from Bol Bol. Phoenix battled through adversity after losing Ricci Rivero to a finger injury late in the contest, but multiple contributors kept them alive heading into the final possession of overtime.

Ricci Rivero drives to the basket before exiting with a finger injury. [photo credit: Peter Baltazar]

Tyler Tio delivers overtime dagger against TNT

With just 1.8 seconds remaining, Tyler Tio rose above Bol Bol and drained a high-arcing triple that banked in to give Phoenix the lead and ultimately the win. The shot capped a composed finish under pressure and became the defining moment of the matchup.

Head coach Charles Tiu trusted Tio in the closing possession despite earlier free-throw struggles, a decision that paid off in spectacular fashion. The victory boosted Phoenix’s record to 6-4 and gave them a crucial edge in potential tie-break scenarios.

Ricci Rivero led Phoenix with 31 points before exiting due to injury, while Jonathan Williams added 22 points and 15 rebounds despite dealing with cramps. Jason Perkins and Kenneth Tuffin also played key supporting roles throughout the contest.

TNT collapses late despite Bol Bol’s strong performance

Bol Bol finished with 30 points and helped force overtime with a clutch basket in regulation, but TNT failed to execute in the final moments. Calvin Oftana added 22 points before also leaving due to cramps, further limiting TNT’s late-game options.

An early injury to Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser disrupted TNT’s rotation and added pressure on their remaining lineup. Despite competitive stretches, TNT could not contain Phoenix when it mattered most.

The defeat leaves TNT tied with Phoenix in the standings, increasing the stakes heading into the final phase of the eliminations, where every win will carry major playoff implications.