21-Point Epic Comeback! TNT Stages Sensational Rally in PBA Semis Game 1

In Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, TNT bounced back from a slow start to edge out Meralco 100-95, claiming a 1-0 lead in the series. Trailing by a massive 21-point deficit (52-31) in the second quarter, TNT staged a remarkable second-half comeback, fueled by a dominant third-quarter performance that secured the five-point win.

TNT’s Calvin Oftana led the charge with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists, nailing four crucial free throws to seal the victory. He received solid support from Rey Nambatac (17 points) and RR Pogoy (16 points), while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser chipped in a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds. Head coach Chot Reyes credited the turnaround to a halftime defensive adjustment, switching from aggressive help defense to improved one-on-one defense. This tactical tweak proved decisive, limiting Meralco to just 13 points in the third quarter after conceding 62 in the first half.

With the score tied at 91-91 in the tense fourth quarter, Oftana sparked a game-changing run with a three-point play and an assist to Ganuelas-Rosser, putting TNT ahead 96-91. Despite a late rally from Meralco’s Chris Banchero and Chris Newsome, Oftana closed out the game with four consecutive free throws to clinch the win. For Meralco, Chris Banchero scored 16 points and CJ Cansino added 14 points in the losing effort.

#PBA Philippine Cup #TNT 100-95 Meralco #Semis Game 1 #Oftana 28 Pts #Epic Comeback Win #Chot ReyesTactical Adjustment