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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider TNT laser-focused, seeks 2-0 lead over SMB

TNT laser-focused, seeks 2-0 lead over SMB

Published Jan 22, 2026 02:27 pm

At A Glance

  • The Tropang 5G are laser-focused as they brace for a big response from the San Miguel Beermen in Game 2 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Friday, Jan. 24.
After a couple of high fives and short embraces, TNT quietly retreated to the dugout at the end of Game 1, as if they haven’t won anything yet.
The Tropang 5G are laser-focused as they brace for a big response from the San Miguel Beermen in Game 2 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Friday, Jan. 24.
While TNT is certainly pleased to be the one drawing first blood in the series, it is not getting ahead of itself, especially with the short turnaround to the second game that is scheduled at 7:30 p.m.
For one, if their last two Finals series is an indication, TNT should be at the receiving end of a huge fightback from SMB. In both of the all-Filipino Finals series in the 47th and 49th seasons, the Tropang 5G won the first game of the series but the Beermen quickly returned the favor in Game 2.
And to ensure that history won’t be repeating itself, Tropang 5G head coach Chot Reyes stressed the need for his charges to fine-tune their execution.
“The key really is not turning the ball over,” said Reyes after TNT survived a late rally from San Miguel to hack out a 96-91 win.
In that game, the Tropang 5G led by as many as 19 points but their turnovers fueled the surge from the Beermen which came within one, 91-92, in the waning minutes.
“That's the story. We gave 25 turnover points to San Miguel. And that's something that we definitely need to address,” explained Reyes.
“We had 19 turnovers, and that's why we gave them 25 turnover points. Obviously, I'm happy with the win, but there's so much more for us to improve on, and we have one day to correct our mistakes,” he furthered.
Kelly Williams provided the stabilizing presence for TNT but it will still need the production from Calvin Oftana, Rey Nambatac and Jordan Heading if it wishes to take a commanding 2-0 lead.
But the defending champions surely won’t just roll over and die as the Beermen are expected to once again pounce the ball inside the paint where they have the huge advantage in June Mar Fajardo, Mo Tautuaa and even Rodney Brondial.
For SMB, it is still a must for its bench players in Don Trollano and Jericho Cruz to find their rhythm and contribute after they only combined for 12 points in the series opener.
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