TNT hopes to keep its Grand Slam aspirations alive when the Tropang 5G take on San Miguel in Game 6 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals.
With their backs against the wall, the TNT Tropang 5G aren’t ready to give up the fight just yet.
After staving off elimination with an 86–78 win in Game 5, TNT now turns its focus to Friday’s pivotal Game 6 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals against San Miguel — a must-win to keep their championship dreams alive and force a Game 7.
The match is set at 7:30pm at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
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Facing the daunting task of denying San Miguel a record-extending 30th title, the Tropang 5G responded with fire and resolve in Game 5.
They jumped to an early lead and unleashed a 13–0 run to start the fourth quarter, building an 18-point cushion that gave them just enough breathing room to hold off the Beermen’s late rally.
Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser led the charge with a monster first quarter, scoring 14 of his 18 points in the opening frame. He finished with five rebounds, three steals, and five blocks — the kind of all-around performance that set the tone for a team refusing to back down.
“We just want to leave it out there,” said Ganuelas-Rosser. “We’re down to the last week, the last couple of games. He (Coach Chot Reyes) just asked for 48 hard minutes of all heart, and that’s what we did tonight.”
Veteran forward Kelly Williams stepped up with 14 points on four three-pointers, while Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading chipped in 13 apiece to round out TNT’s balanced scoring.
But the fight isn’t over yet — and the road to Game 7 remains uphill. TNT will again be without Poy Erram, who is out for the series due to a meniscal tear, and Simon Enciso remains doubtful with an orbital fracture.
[ALSO READ: Poy Erram out for rest of PBA Finals for TNT due to meniscal tear: 'Hindi talaga kakayanin’]
Still, the Tropang 5G have proven they can rally together behind gritty team defense.
As San Miguel eyes its 30th championship, TNT is out to write a different story — one that leads to a winner-take-all Game 7. The stakes are high, the margin for error razor-thin, and for the Tropang 5G, every possession could be the one that keeps their title hopes alive.
[ALSO READ: Calvin Oftana praises Almond Vosotros, TNT bench in Game 5 win: 'Malaking bagay sila’]
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]