Defending champion TNT is heading back to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals after surviving a fierce challenge from Meralco and completing a hard-fought semifinal series victory.

The Tropang 5G secured their place in the championship round with a 97-94 triumph in Game 6 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, May 31,, extending their streak of finals appearances and setting up another showdown with longtime rival Barangay Ginebra.

The victory marked TNT’s fifth consecutive trip to the finals and arranged the latest chapter in one of the league’s most compelling rivalries. The upcoming championship series will be the fourth title confrontation between TNT and Ginebra in the last eight conferences.

Heading powers TNT victory

Jordan Heading delivered one of the biggest performances of his PBA career, leading TNT with 30 points built around seven three-pointers that repeatedly punished Meralco’s defense.

The sharpshooter provided crucial baskets throughout the contest and ultimately played a decisive role in helping the Tropang 5G close out the series before a deciding Game 7 became necessary.

Chris McCullough also made a significant impact despite fouling out in the closing minutes. The TNT import finished with 22 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists before exiting with 3:23 remaining.

TNT entered the game determined to finally string together consecutive victories in a series that had alternated winners through the first five meetings. The defending champions answered the challenge and delivered when the pressure was highest.

Late-game execution seals series

The Tropang 5G appeared headed for a comfortable victory after building a 14-point lead midway through the fourth quarter. With momentum firmly on their side, TNT seemed poised to put the contest away early.

Meralco, however, mounted a dramatic comeback and erased the deficit, eventually tying the game at 94-all with less than two minutes remaining. The Bolts’ resilience threatened to force a winner-take-all Game 7 and shift the pressure back onto TNT.

Heading responded at the perfect moment, converting a critical three-point play that restored TNT’s lead and gave the defending champions the breathing room they desperately needed.

Meralco still had one final opportunity to extend the series, but a last-gasp attempt failed to connect, allowing TNT to escape with the victory and celebrate another finals berth.

The win sets the stage for another highly anticipated championship clash with Ginebra, which earlier eliminated Rain or Shine to become the first team to advance to the finals. With both powerhouse franchises once again battling for a title, fans can expect another memorable chapter in their growing rivalry.