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Lukewarm Victory: TNT Tropang 5G Snatch Win Over San Miguel Beermen

Through grit and determination, the Grandslam-chasing TNT Tropang 5G bagged their opening win of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup against the formidable San Miguel Beermen, emerged victorious by a slim 89-84 margin on May 4, 2025 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

This marked the TNT’s initial triumph since they lost their Commissioner's Cup championship bid without key imports Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Jason Castro. Struggling to adapt without these critical pieces, the TNT fought tooth and nail to claim their first success.

Hollis-Jefferson sat this one out due to the lack of import-level competition, while Castro remained unavailable due to an ankle injury.

Muttered the TNT, "We decided to pen our own story. Hopefully, this is the kickstart and the first chapter in that narrative," stated TNT head coach Chot Reyes.

Calvin Oftana powered the TNT upfront with an impressive 23 points and a career-high 21 rebounds, driving the team forward with courageous efforts under pressure.

Meanwhile, the Terrafirma Dyip succumbed to the might of league-leader Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, 127-94.

Key Contributions:- Calvin Oftana: Led the charge with 23 points and 21 rebounds, showcasing his resilience in crunch time.- Supporting Cast: - Rey Nambatac bolstered the squad with 15 points and 5 assists. - RR Pogoy and Simon Enciso combined for 27 points, with Pogoy's game-winning triple securing the triumph.- Defensive Efforts: The TNT's relentless defense throttled San Miguel’s offense in the crucial fourth quarter.

San Miguel’s Highlights:- CJ Perez: Scored 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.- June Mar Fajardo: Achieved a double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds.

Coach Chot Reyes’s Remarks:On the sidelines, Coach Chot Reyes was silent, though the team's execution in clutch moments, particularly Oftana’s rebounding prowess and Pogoy’s match-winning triple, signified a well-calculated game strategy [1][2]. The victory pulled TNT's record up to 1-3, boosting their playoff hopes [1].

Score Breakdown:

| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total ||------------|-----|-----|-----|-----|-------|| TNT | 26 | 44 | 71 | 89 | 89 || San Miguel | 26 | 39 | 62 | 84 | 84 | [1]

In a significant victory, TNT's substitute import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's absence didn't deter them as they beat San Miguel Beermen, winning 89-84 in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, with Calvin Oftana leading the charge with an impressive 23 points and 21 rebounds.
Although Hollis-Jefferson rested due to the lack of import-level competition and key player Jason Castro remained injured, TNT's determination paid off, setting a new chapter in their narrative.
The ESOL-champion Terrafirma Dyip, on the other hand, faced a tough defeat against the powerful Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, losing 127-94 in another PBA match.
TNT's head coach, Chot Reyes, reflected on the game, acknowledging the effective clutch execution and the instrumental contributions of Oftana, Pogoy, Nambatac, and Enciso in securing the triumph.