(PBA image)
With injuries piling up at the most crucial stretch of the season, TNT are eager to waste no time in finishing the job against Meralco and booking a return trip to the PBA Philippine Cup finals.
Holding a commanding 3–1 lead in the best-of-seven semifinals, Tropang 5G coach Chot Reyes made it clear that the goal is to close out the series in Game 5 on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. For TNT, the urgency is not just about momentum—but survival.
The team is coming off a convincing 102–83 win at the Mall of Asia Arena, yet Reyes stressed that the lopsided scoreline does not reflect the grind of the series against the Meralco Bolts.
Of course, we’re going to go all out, Reyes said. Not just because it’s a closeout game, but because we expect Meralco to come back really hard.
Reyes reiterated that TNT never viewed the matchup as a walk in the park, even after building a two-game cushion.
I’ve said this since Game 1—we have no illusion that this is an easy series, he added. We have to be ready for a huge battle in Game 5.
Complicating matters for TNT is a growing list of health concerns. Two-way guard Roger Pogoy has been ruled out after aggravating the same hamstring injury that sidelined him during last season’s Philippine Cup. Playmaker Rey Nambatac is still nursing a sprained ankle suffered in Game 3, while veteran big man Kelly Williams is recovering from flu-like symptoms and a severe cough that forced him out of the starting lineup.
Ganun talaga, Reyes said. Hopefully Rey heals more fully and recovers. Same thing with Roger.
For now, the TNT mentor said the team’s priority is simple—rest, recover, and muster enough strength for one more push.
Right now our focus is really to get rest for the players, Reyes said, as TNT aim to seal the series and move one step closer to another PBA Philippine Cup championship appearance.