With their backs against the wall, the TNT Tropang 5G want to avoid falling into a deeper hole against the San Miguel Beermen in Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
TNT knows the margin for error is shrinking.
Despite putting itself in prime position to steal Game 3, TNT walked away empty-handed after a late offensive drought, falling 89-95 and slipping behind 1-2 in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals against San Miguel.
[WATCH: PBA LIVESTREAM: San Miguel vs TNT | Philippine Cup Finals Game 4]
The Tropang 5G fell into an early 17-point hole in the opening period, but showed resilience by regrouping in the second quarter and grinding their way back into the contest.
Rey Nambatac capped TNT’s surge late in the fourth, scoring five points in a blistering 10-0 run that ended with a thunderous two-handed dunk by Henry Galinato for an 89-86 advantage.
That, however, was as far as the team's offense would go.
[RELATED STORY: PBA Finals: Cjay Perez, San Miguel out to pounce on reeling TNT in Game 4]
From that point on, the Tropang 5G failed to score another field goal as they watched Cjay Perez and San Miguel seize control down the stretch.
The missed opportunity looms large as the series shifts to a pivotal Game 4 Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Tip off is at 7:30 p.m.
Calvin Oftana led TNT with 25 points, knocking down four of his nine attempts from beyond the arc, while Jordan Heading flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 15 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists.
Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser also delivered a solid all-around effort with 15 points, 13 boards and five assists.
With defending champion SMB gaining momentum, the Tropang 5G will need urgency and execution to snatch a win and prevent the series from slipping further out of reach.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of One Sports Digital with the help of AI and reviewed by editorial staff for accuracy.]