(PBA image)
Fresh off a convincing close to the eliminations, TNT Tropang 5G now turn their attention to finishing the job as they collide once more with Magnolia Hotshots in the quarterfinals of the PBA Philippine Cup.
TNT’s 94-83 victory over Magnolia on the final playdate of the eliminations sealed the No. 3 seed and, more importantly, the coveted twice-to-beat advantage. After weeks of grinding for a Top Four finish, the Tropang 5G now have a clear path to the semifinals—if they can make that edge count.
Coach Chot Reyes, however, is keen on stripping away any sense of comfort. For him, the mindset remains simple: win the next game and nothing else matters.
“We’re not looking at it as a twice-to-beat situation. We’re just looking at it as a one-to-win,” Reyes said, stressing that TNT’s preparation will be no different from any must-win encounter.
That message has resonated with the players, including guard Jordan Heading, who echoed the coach’s no-frills approach. Heading emphasized that regardless of incentives or scenarios, the next game is always the most important one.
Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum is expected to be far from a repeat of their previous meeting. Magnolia, now under the on-court leadership of playing-coach LA Tenorio, is widely expected to come out sharper and more desperate, knowing their season hangs in the balance.
Reyes is bracing for that response, fully aware of Magnolia’s depth and experience. He acknowledged that even at full focus, matching up with the Hotshots requires TNT to be at their absolute best.
In their last encounter, Heading poured in 23 points, Calvin Oftana added 17, while Rey Nambatac and Kelly Williams chipped in 11 apiece. Magnolia, meanwhile, was without Paul Lee, who was sidelined by injury, though Tenorio’s presence as a playing-coach provided an emotional lift.
Reyes admitted he anticipated that surge. He recalled reminding his players not to get swept up by the moment, especially with Tenorio suiting up and injecting energy into the Hotshots.
With a semifinal berth on the line—and a potential fourth straight playoff meeting with Rain or Shine looming if results fall into place—TNT know the opportunity is right in front of them. Still, the Tropang 5G expect Magnolia to dig deep and throw everything they have in a bid to extend the series, setting the stage for a tense, high-stakes quarterfinal clash.
