January 05, 2026

PBA: TNT strikes first in best-of-seven semis series vs Meralco

PBA: TNT strikes first in best-of-seven semis series vs Meralco
Calvin Oftana of the TNT Tropang 5G | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports

TNT recovered from a sloppy start to hack out a 100-95 win over Meralco in Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao Sunday, Jan. 4.

Down 0-13 which ballooned to a 31-52 deficit, the Tropang 5G turned it up a notch in the second half to strike first in the best-of-seven series.

TNT outgunned the Bolts, 28-13, in the third to flip the script.

[RELATED STORY: PBA Semifinals Preview: TNT aims to jolt Meralco]

 

[ALSO READ: PBA Semifinals Preview: San Miguel out to sustain might against Ginebra]

The Chot Reyes-mentored squad gun for a 2-0 lead when the two teams square off anew in Game 2 Wednesday, Jan. 7.

Tip off is at 7:30 p.m. at the same venue.


Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.

He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.


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