TNT Tropang 5G overcome 21-point deficit to win Game 1 vs Meralco Bolts

The TNT Tropang 5G overcame a 21-point deficit to defeat the Meralco Bolts 100-95 in Game 1 of their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinal series.

TNT Head Coach Chot Reyes implemented a strategy shift, focusing on inside attacks and exploiting mismatches, which resulted in 47 free throw attempts for TNT, a significant increase from their usual average.

This offensive tweak led to TNT outscoring Meralco 37-12 from the free-throw line, contributing heavily to their victory.

Despite a strong first-quarter start and a 21-point lead, Meralco struggled to maintain their momentum, scoring only 33 points in the second half.

Calvin Oftana led TNT with 28 points, including crucial fourth-quarter contributions, while RR Pogoy scored 16 points and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser added 14 points and 10 rebounds.

The Tropang 5G now lead the best-of-seven series 1-0 and have won five consecutive games.

Meralco coach Luigi Trillo expressed concerns about the free throw disparity and appealed for consistent officiating in Game 2.