Bol Scores 48 as Tropang 5G Hold Off Blackwater’s Late Surge for Win

TNT fended off a late rally from Blackwater, securing a 99-94 win on Tuesday at the Ynares Center and extending its winning streak in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

The Tropang 5G appeared to have the game under control with a double-digit lead in the final minutes, but Blackwater wasn’t ready to concede. The Bossing mounted a furious comeback, with key baskets pulling them within one point, 95-94, following a clutch three-pointer from Sedrick Barefield with 44.6 seconds left.

However, Blackwater’s push fell short in the final moments. Barefield had a chance to tie the game but missed a contested three-pointer. TNT’s defense made things difficult for Blackwater down the stretch, forcing tough shot attempts. On the next possession, TNT capitalized when Roger Pogoy found Calvin Oftana wide open for a layup, pushing the lead to 97-94 with under six seconds left. Blackwater’s last-ditch attempt to tie the game fizzled out as Robert Upshaw III rushed a three that missed badly, and TNT sealed the win at the free-throw line.

Bol Bol was the standout for TNT, delivering an incredible performance with 48 points, 11 rebounds, seven blocks, and a steal. Jayson Castro added 10 points, while the rest of the team struggled offensively but contributed enough to hold on to the victory.

The win improved TNT’s record to 4-2, moving them into the upper half of the standings alongside long-time rival Barangay Ginebra.

Despite the loss, Blackwater showed resilience in defeat. Upshaw led the charge with 36 points, seven rebounds, and a block, despite battling foul trouble early. Rookie Dalph Panopio delivered his best performance of the season, finishing with 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals, with nine of those points coming in the final quarter as Blackwater made its push.

Sedrick Barefield and Christian David each added 12 points, with David contributing 11 rebounds. However, Blackwater’s struggles from beyond the arc proved costly, as they shot just 2-of-25 from three-point range.

TNT head coach Chot Reyes acknowledged the difficulty of the game and credited Blackwater’s preparation under new head coach Pat Aquino.

“We knew this wouldn’t be an easy game. We understood the kind of system Coach Pat brings,” Reyes said. “We were fortunate that Bol bailed us out, but we can’t keep putting ourselves in these situations.”

Both teams will return to action later this week in Montalban, with Blackwater facing Phoenix on Friday and TNT taking on Titan Ultra the following night.