(PBA image)
What was a narrow escape in the series opener turned into a full-blown statement two nights later.
After eking out a five-point win in Game 1, TNT Tropang 5G came back sharper, tougher, and far more decisive, dismantling the Meralco Bolts in a wire-to-wire 109-92 victory to seize a commanding 2-0 lead in their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal series Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
From the opening tip, the Tropa played with purpose. They struck early, raced to a double-digit cushion, and never allowed Meralco to find any rhythm, turning the contest into a one-sided showcase of offensive balance and defensive discipline. The win put TNT just two victories away from a return trip to the all-Filipino finals.
Jordan Heading and Calvin Oftana once again set the tone, lighting up the scoreboard with precision shooting and relentless aggression. The duo combined for 50 points, burying six three-pointers as TNT picked up right where it left off after its explosive second-half surge in the series opener.
Heading, who finished with a game-high 26 points built around four triples, said the focus remains firmly on the immediate task.
“We’re keeping our eyes on the prize and not getting ahead of ourselves,” he said, echoing the team’s steady, business-like approach.
Oftana was just as lethal, pouring in 24 points while consistently punishing Meralco’s defensive lapses. Veteran forward Kelly Williams and RR Pogoy added 12 points apiece, while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser chipped in 11 as TNT spread the scoring load and kept fresh legs on the floor.
More than the points, it was the way TNT imposed its will that stood out. The Tropang 5G opened with a 29-19 first-quarter blitz, stretched the lead to as many as 24, and dictated the pace from start to finish. After being limited to just three three-point makes in Game 1, TNT came out firing, draining shots from deep through Heading, Oftana, Williams, and Ganuelas-Rosser.
At the other end, the Tropa were just as impressive. Meralco struggled mightily from long range, managing only one three-pointer in 14 attempts, a late conversion by Kurt Reyson that did little to change the outcome. TNT’s perimeter defense suffocated the Bolts, forcing tough looks and rushed decisions throughout the night.
Now firmly in control, TNT looks to press its advantage and push Meralco closer to the brink when the series resumes for Game 3 on Friday, once again at the Big Dome.
Scores:
TNT 109 – Oftana 26, Heading 24, Williams 12, Pogoy 12, Ganuelas-Rosser 11, Galinato 6, Khobuntin 4, Nambatac 4, Erram 4, Jalalon 2, Hill 2, Aurin 2, Enciso 0, Ferrer 0.
Meralco 92 – Hodge 18, Newsome 18, Quinto 13, Reyson 11, Black 10, Almazan 9, Cansino 9, Banchero 2, Jose 2, Bates 0, Rios 0, Comia 0.
Quarter scores: 29-19, 57-46, 82-66, 109-92
