TNT routs SMB, puts Beermen on verge of missing PBA playoffs

TNT decisively defeated San Miguel Beer with a final score of 115-97 in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, placing the Beermen in jeopardy of missing the quarterfinals for the first time in 10 years.

The loss dropped the defending champions San Miguel to a 5-7 record, currently in 10th place, needing losses from Magnolia and NLEX in their upcoming games to have any chance of advancing.

TNT, now with an 8-3 record, secured the solo second spot in the standings and is poised to enter the quarterfinals with a twice-to-beat advantage.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led TNT with 29 points, 18 rebounds, and 9 assists, supported by significant contributions from RR Pogoy (22 points) and Calvin Oftana (16 points).

Despite a strong first half where San Miguel narrowed the gap to seven points by halftime, TNT pulled away in the second half to secure the victory.

Coach Chot Reyes emphasized focusing on one game at a time, rather than the implications of securing a twice-to-beat advantage, stating that they will still face a tough opponent in the quarterfinals.