The Daily Tribune
Running on fumes
TNT Tropang 5G advanced to the PBA finals for the third straight conference after defeating Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 97-89 in Game 6 of their Philippine Cup semifinals series.
Despite facing manpower challenges including the absence of key players like Roger Pogoy, Kelly Williams, Jayson Castro (season-ending injury), and Rey Nambatac (groin injury), Jordan Heading and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser delivered crucial plays.
Heading led TNT with 29 points and provided vital firepower, while the two combined for a significant run that broke an 80-80 tie.
Calvin Oftana contributed a decisive three-point play that fueled a 14-2 run to secure the win, though he noted the team was "running on fumes."
Glenn Khobuntin added a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Kim Aurin scored 13 points.
Coach Chot Reyes praised his team's resilience, and the victory keeps TNT's Grand Slam aspirations alive for the season.
TNT will await the winner of the other semifinals series between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and San Miguel Beermen for the finals, set to begin on July 13.
The team also acquired Jordan Heading from Converge in a trade that sent Mikey Williams to Converge, addressing some of their roster issues.
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TNT Tropang Giga still leads the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 3-2, despite losing Game 5 with a score of 113-97.
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TNT Tropang 5G holds a 3-1 series lead against Rain or Shine in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals and aims to clinch the series in Game 5.
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The TNT Tropang Giga are on the verge of a historic Grand Slam in the PBA Philippine Cup, showcasing remarkable resilience despite facing numerous adversities and injuries throughout the season.
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TNT coach Chot Reyes downplayed the significance of completing a historic Grand Slam, stating that the 2011 attempt where TNT narrowly missed a Grand Slam against the same San Miguel franchise is "ancient history."
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The TNT Tropang Giga and San Miguel Beermen are set to clash in the PBA Philippine Cup finals, a best-of-seven series commencing Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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