The TNT Tropang 5G punched their ticket to the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals with a decisive 118-109 victory over the Magnolia Hotshots on Saturday night, December 27, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. This crucial win keeps alive their quest for redemption after falling short in last season's All-Filipino conference and their dream of a fourth consecutive finals appearance.
Oftana, Heading Lead Offensive Charge for TNT
The Tropang 5G delivered a wire-to-wire performance, establishing early dominance and leading by as many as 27 points. Calvin Oftana was the game's top scorer, sizzling with five three-pointers on his way to a game-high 25 points. He received ample support from Jordan Heading, who contributed 21 points, including a crucial four-point play that helped maintain TNT's momentum.
The victory was a complete team effort. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and RR Pogoy also scored in double figures, while key contributions came from the bench with Kim Aurin, Kelly Williams, Jio Jalalon, Rey Nambatac, and Henry Galinato each firing at least seven points.
Tropa Completes Two-Step Mission to Final Four
Head coach Chot Reyes revealed his team's focused mindset heading into the knockout phase. "We came out thinking we need to win two games to get to the Final Four," Reyes stated after the game. "I am happy to deliver the second part of the transaction tonight. We took care of the first part, and now we took care of the second part."
The first part of that mission was also accomplished against Magnolia, a 94-83 win on December 21. With this second victory, TNT joins the defending champion San Miguel Beermen in the semifinals. They now await the winner of the do-or-die match between the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Meralco Bolts.
Magnolia's Valiant Effort Falls Short
Despite the loss, the Magnolia Hotshots fought valiantly, especially in the second half. They were led by Zav Lucero with 22 points, Rome dela Rosa with 19, and Jerom Lastimosa with 18. Playing coach LA Tenorio, in his second game in the dual role, finished with three points and three rebounds. However, TNT's defensive toughness down the stretch proved too much to overcome.
Meralco Forces Decider Against Rain or Shine
In the earlier game, the seventh-seeded Meralco Bolts executed a stunning performance to force a deciding Game 3. They dominated the No. 2 seed Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 96-79. Cliff Hodge and Chris Newsome set an aggressive tone early, helping the Bolts build a massive 56-22 lead.
Although Rain or Shine mounted a furious rally to cut the deficit to 12 points, Meralco's early cushion was enough. Coach Luigi Trillo praised his team's start but acknowledged the challenge ahead. "We started out well... but Rain or Shine is a tough team," Trillo said. The winner-take-all match is set for Monday, December 29, to determine TNT's semifinal opponent.
With their relentless drive and balanced scoring, the TNT Tropang 5G have successfully navigated their way back to the PBA Philippine Cup Final Four, firmly re-establishing themselves as prime contenders for the coveted All-Filipino crown.
