In a stunning display of resilience, the TNT Tropang 5G engineered a monumental comeback from 21 points down to defeat the Meralco Bolts, 100-95, in Game 1 of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series. The thrilling match took place on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Halftime Adjustment Sparks Dramatic Turnaround
The game seemed to be slipping away from TNT in the second quarter, as Meralco surged to a commanding 52-31 lead and entered halftime ahead 62-46. Tropang 5G head coach Chot Reyes shouldered the blame for the early struggles, admitting their initial game plan was picked apart. The solution came in the locker room.
"We told them at halftime that no matter what our defensive game plan is, in the end we have to defend one-on-one and don't rely too much on help," Reyes explained. "We need to defend the point of attack, defend the ball better. I think that's what we did in the second half when we hunkered down on our defense." This tactical shift became the foundation for their historic rally.
Oftana Leads the Charge, Supporting Cast Delivers
Forward Calvin Oftana was the engine of the comeback, finishing with a game-high 28 points. He scored nine of those in the tense fourth quarter and was clutch from the free-throw line, hitting 11 of 12 attempts. Oftana was quick to note the series is far from over, stating, "Mahaba pa 'tong (This is still a long) series."
He did not carry the load alone. Rey Nambatac caught fire in the second half, scoring 11 of his 17 points after the break. RR Pogoy was instrumental in the third-quarter push, pouring in 11 points during that period alone. Their collective effort allowed TNT to completely erase Meralco's 16-point halftime advantage by the end of the third quarter.
Closing Moments and Series Implications
Meralco briefly regained its footing, seizing an 89-86 lead with 5:18 remaining. However, TNT responded immediately. Jordan Heading attacked the rim for a crucial basket, and veteran Kelly Williams completed a three-point play to put TNT back on top, 91-89.
Although the Bolts managed to tie the score once more, they could not retake the lead. Oftana sealed the victory by calmly sinking four consecutive free throws in the game's final seconds. This victory extends TNT's winning streak over Meralco to six games, dating back to the 2024 Commissioner's Cup.
The win eerily mirrored a previous encounter on October 29, where TNT also overcame a 23-point deficit to beat Meralco in overtime. The Tropang 5G now aim to take a commanding 2-0 series lead when the teams meet again on Wednesday, January 7, also at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ginebra Draws First Blood in Other Semifinal Series
In the nightcap, Barangay Ginebra also secured a 1-0 lead in its best-of-seven semifinal against San Miguel Beer. The Gin Kings won 99-90, snapping San Miguel's impressive 10-game winning streak.
The key to victory was Ginebra's bench, which outscored San Miguel's reserves 54-29. RJ Abarrientos led the second unit with a team-high 23 points, while Ralph Cu, Jayson David, and Norbert Torres combined for 31 points. Coach Tim Cone praised his bench mob's energy, noting it's rare to beat San Miguel even when June Mar Fajardo records a monster 20-point, 20-rebound game.
