Oftana Leads TNT’s Response as Tropang 5G Even Finals Series with Ginebra

TNT delivered a strong bounce-back performance in Game 2 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, fending off a spirited fourth-quarter rally by Barangay Ginebra to claim a 101–94 victory on Friday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Looking to recover from its opening-game loss, the Tropang 5G took control early and built a lead that ballooned to as much as 21 points before withstanding Ginebra’s late charge to level the best-of-seven championship series at 1–1.

The Gin Kings threatened to complete another trademark comeback behind the efforts of Justin Brownlee, RJ Abarrientos, and rookie John Abis. Their rally trimmed TNT’s once-comfortable lead to just four points, 98–94, in the final minute, putting pressure on the Tropang 5G down the stretch.

However, TNT responded at the crucial moment. After Abis failed to convert a transition opportunity that could have further cut the deficit, Calvin Oftana calmly knocked down two free throws with 18.7 seconds remaining to restore a six-point cushion and effectively secure the win.

Brownlee’s attempts from beyond the arc in the closing seconds failed to connect, while Chris McCullough added a free throw to put the finishing touches on TNT’s victory.

“We kept reminding the players in the huddle, when we were up big, to not let their guards down because we all know the caliber of a team that Ginebra has. They will always come back,” TNT head coach Chot Reyes said after the game.

Oftana turned in a stellar performance, finishing with 31 points and 10 rebounds. He poured in 17 points before halftime and went on to post his highest scoring output of the season as well as his best offensive performance against Ginebra.

McCullough complemented the effort with an impressive all-around stat line of 19 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks while logging nearly 39 minutes of action.

Jordan Heading chipped in 14 points and five assists, while Roger Pogoy, Rey Nambatac, and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser added 10 points each to help TNT maintain control for most of the contest.

“Motivated lahat eh, from the coaches, to the staff, to the management, motivated kami na manalo para ma-tie namin 'yung series,” Oftana said.

Brownlee led Ginebra with 24 points and 15 rebounds, along with three assists. Abarrientos added 21 points, including 14 in the second half, as the Kings mounted a serious challenge after trailing by 19 entering the fourth quarter.

Abis joined Brownlee and Abarrientos in a pivotal 6–0 run late in the game that brought Ginebra within striking distance. Jeremiah Gray contributed 13 points, while Isaac Go added 10 markers in the losing effort.

Despite the Kings’ late push, TNT’s dominant start and timely execution proved enough to hold off the comeback and square the Finals series.

The championship showdown now shifts to the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, June 7, with both teams aiming to seize momentum and take the lead in the race-to-four series.