(PBA image)
Poy Erram needed only two words to describe how TNT Tropang 5G survived Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals against Meralco: a miracle game.
The veteran big man was still shaking his head in disbelief after TNT Tropang 5G pulled off a stunning 99–96 comeback to eliminate Meralco Bolts, 4–1, and book yet another trip to the Finals of the PBA Philippine Cup.
“Una sa lahat, I feel blessed after that game,” Erram said. “Parang miracle game na ’yon for us.”
Down 96–91 in the final moments, TNT looked all but finished as the Bolts appeared poised to force a Game 6. What followed, however, was a late-game blitz that flipped the script in a matter of seconds. A booming four-pointer from Rey Nambatac ignited the rally, before Jordan Heading jumped a passing lane and converted a breakaway layup that pushed TNT ahead, 97–96, with just 15.1 seconds left.
From there, the Tropang 5G held their nerve, sealing a win that Erram admitted felt almost unreal.
“We’re lucky,” he said. “We’ll savor it. We’ll celebrate it—but only for today. Then we move on and focus on the Finals.”
Erram finished with six points, four rebounds, a steal, and a block, modest numbers that belied his presence in a game TNT refused to let slip away. The victory marked the team’s fourth straight Finals appearance, a run that has made pressure-packed moments feel familiar—though never easy.
“Familiar territory ulit for us,” said Erram. “Pero our job is not done.”
Now, Poy Erram and the Tropang 5G will wait to see who joins them on the championship stage, with the other semifinal still raging between Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer.
For TNT, the miracle has already happened. The bigger prize, they know, is still ahead.