TNT beats San Miguel 99-96 in Game 1 of PBA finals

TNT narrowly defeated San Miguel with a 99-96 victory in Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals on Sunday, July 13.

Roger Pogoy returned from injury to score 23 points, including a crucial three-pointer that put TNT ahead by one point late in the game.

Jordan Heading contributed 19 points and six assists for TNT, while June Mar Fajardo led San Miguel with a double-double of 26 points and 15 rebounds but fell short despite erasing a 24-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

The game was marked by controversy when Mo Tautuaa's final dunk attempt was ruled offensive basketball interference, securing TNT's slim lead.

Both teams are coming off tough semifinal series; TNT without Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac, while San Miguel's Fajardo played through a calf injury.

TNT aims to achieve the rare Grand Slam feat in their upcoming Game 2 on Wednesday, July 16, while San Miguel seeks its record-extending 30th championship in the league.