TNT Tropang G5 Dominates Meralco Bolts in PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals Game 2

TNT Tropang G5 delivered a comprehensive defensive performance to secure a 109-92 victory against the Meralco Bolts in Game 2 of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. With this win, TNT now leads the best-of-seven series 2-0.

From the opening tip, TNT set the tone offensively and defensively, building a 10-point lead after the first quarter with a score of 29-19. Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading spearheaded the offensive attack, contributing 26 points and seven rebounds for Oftana, and 24 points and two rebounds for Heading.

Meralco attempted to rally midway, with Raymond Almazan's layup reducing the deficit to 13 points at 71-84. However, a decisive 14-5 run, highlighted by a stepback jumper from Rey Nambatac, expanded TNT's advantage to 22 points, 98-76, with under five minutes to go.

TNT maintained control down the stretch, bolstered by contributions from Chris Newsome, Henry Galinato Jr., Jordan Heading, and Poy Erram, sealing the resounding victory.

Meralco struggled significantly from long range, managing just a single successful three-pointer out of 14 attempts, alongside two out of six attempts from the four-point range. Kurt Reyson was the lone bright spot, hitting one three-pointer and two four-point shots.

In contrast, TNT excelled from beyond the arc, converting 12 of their 28 three-point attempts and finishing the game shooting an efficient 44 of 80 from the field (55%). Meralco, by comparison, shot 30 of 72 (41.7%).

Additional scoring for TNT included RR Pogoy and Kelly Williams with 12 points apiece and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser adding 11. For Meralco, Chris Newsome and Cliff Hodge each tallied 18 points, while Bong Quinto, Kurt Reyson, and Aaron Black contributed 13, 11, and 10 points respectively.

The best-of-seven series continues on Friday at 5:15 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with Game 3 between these two teams.