Rey Nambatac is back with a bang. (Image courtesy of PBA)
Rey Nambatac couldn’t have scripted a better comeback.
After watching from the sidelines during TNT’s heartbreaking end to their Grand Slam bid last season, Nambatac roared back Friday night with a performance that reminded everyone why he’s one of the league’s most dynamic guards. His 22-point explosion powered the Tropang Giga to a 93-78 drubbing of Phoenix Super LPG in their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup opener at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
The former Letran star shot an efficient 9-of-14 from the floor, drained two triples, and stuffed the stat sheet with five rebounds, three assists, and a steal. More importantly, he led a TNT squad that looked hungry, focused, and determined to reclaim the All-Filipino crown that barely slipped away last year.
“It feels good to be back and contributing,” Nambatac said postgame. “I missed this—being out there, competing with my brothers, and hearing the fans again.”
TNT broke free from a tight 45-42 halftime count with a furious third-quarter surge, outscoring Phoenix 48-37 in the second half behind a barrage of three-pointers. The Tropang 5G hit a sizzling 15-of-35 from deep, their new-look offense humming under the lights.
Newcomer Kevin Ferrer wasted no time making his mark, torching the nets with four triples on five attempts en route to 12 points, two blocks, and a ton of energy off the bench. Simon Enciso matched him with four threes of his own, while Calvin Oftana chipped in 15 points in another steady all-around showing.
Coach Chot Reyes praised his team’s chemistry and focus. “We wanted to send a message—that we’re still contenders,” he said. “Rey’s comeback gave us a huge emotional lift.”
The Fuel Masters, debuting under new coach Willy Wilson, kept it close in the first half with Tyler Tio, Jason Perkins, Kai Ballungay, and Ken Tuffin all scoring in double figures. But the wheels fell off as TNT’s defense tightened and their shooters took over.
Phoenix managed just 6-of-23 from beyond the arc and looked visibly frustrated as the Tropang 5G dictated the pace on both ends.
For TNT, this wasn’t just an opening-night win—it was a declaration. After falling just short of a Grand Slam, the Tropang 5G looked every bit like a team on a mission. And at the heart of it all was Rey Nambatac, back from the shadows, playing like a man with something to prove.
Next up for TNT: sustaining the fire. Because if Friday’s performance is any indication, the Tropang Giga aren’t just back—they’re burning bright.