Meralco refused to allow TNT to seize full control of the semifinal race after delivering a composed 101-90 victory Wednesday night, May 27, to level their PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals series at two games apiece at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bolts responded with urgency after dropping the previous contest, showing greater discipline on both ends and finding answers every time TNT threatened to swing momentum in its favor. Instead of depending on one player to carry the offense, Meralco leaned on collective execution and timely contributions throughout the lineup.

Import Patrick Gardner anchored the attack early and finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out late in regulation. Even after losing Gardner in crunch time, Meralco maintained control behind its local rotation and disciplined defensive approach.

Aaron Black provided stability in transition and helped organize the offense during crucial stretches, while Javee Mocon and Cliff Hodge delivered important baskets late to preserve separation.

Meralco answers challenge

The game initially appeared headed for another tense finish after TNT erased an early deficit and briefly grabbed the lead during the third quarter. Meralco, however, steadied itself in the final period by slowing the pace and executing cleaner possessions.

CJ Cansino also delivered one of the key moments of the night after draining a late four-pointer that halted TNT’s momentum and widened the Bolts’ advantage. The basket energized Meralco during a sequence where the Tropang 5G had started threatening another comeback.

Head coach Luigi Trillo praised the team’s ability to stay composed despite the pressure of the situation and Gardner’s absence late in the contest. Meralco also tightened its defense during the closing minutes, forcing TNT into difficult shots and rushed possessions.

The Bolts benefited from balanced production across the roster, with several role players stepping up to support the offense instead of relying heavily on isolation plays. Their defensive energy and rebounding also helped limit TNT’s second-chance opportunities late in the game.

By tying the series at 2-2, Meralco successfully turned the matchup into a virtual best-of-three heading into the crucial fifth game.

TNT loses momentum

TNT received an encouraging performance from returning import Chris McCullough, who finished with 24 points, nine rebounds, and three blocked shots in his return appearance.

Jordan Heading added 15 points, while Roger Pogoy and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser chipped in 14 markers each. Calvin Oftana, however, struggled to fully establish rhythm offensively after early foul trouble limited his aggressiveness.

Despite trailing by double digits early, TNT slowly worked its way back behind McCullough’s second-half surge. The Tropang 5G even managed to take a brief lead in the third quarter after stringing together several productive offensive sequences.

Still, Meralco responded with stronger execution when the game tightened in the fourth quarter. The Bolts converted timely baskets, protected the paint, and consistently won key possessions during the closing stretch.

TNT also committed costly mistakes late, allowing Meralco to regain full momentum and create breathing room inside the final two minutes.

With both teams now holding two wins apiece, the semifinal battle heads into a pivotal Game 5 with momentum once again hanging in the balance.