PBA Semis: TNT tightens grip, SMB strikes back to even series

The PBA Philippine Cup semifinals began to show clearer contours on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with TNT asserting control in one series while San Miguel Beer answered back in the other.

This time, there was no need for late drama from the Tropang 5G. After surviving a 21-point hole in Game 1, TNT flipped the script in Game 2 and delivered a commanding 109–92 win over Meralco to seize a 2–0 edge in their best-of-seven showdown. 

From the opening minutes, the Tropa dictated pace, found rhythm on both ends, and steadily widened the gap—pulling away decisively in the third quarter to move within two wins of the Finals.

Calvin Oftana once again set the tone, pouring in 26 points and seven rebounds as TNT’s steady engine. He was far from alone. Jordan Heading added 24, highlighted by a four-point bomb, while the supporting cast overwhelmed the Bolts with balance and depth. 

Kelly Williams and Roger Pogoy chipped in 12 apiece—Pogoy draining all his points from long range—while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser contributed 11 points and six boards.

 In all, 12 different Tropang 5G players made their way into the scoring column, a testament to TNT’s collective rhythm after a grinding series opener.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

TNT makes it 2-0.#PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/ZWRMKQLAd2

— PBA (@pbaconnect) January 7, 2026

1-all!#PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/IPZGzfEe76

— PBA (@pbaconnect) January 7, 2026

If TNT took control in one bracket, San Miguel Beer made sure its own series didn’t slip away. The Beermen regrouped from their opening loss and leaned on timely contributions across the board to outlast Barangay Ginebra, 93–84, evening their semifinal duel at one game apiece.

After struggling to find help in Game 1, San Miguel’s support crew came alive when it mattered most. Don Trollano and Jericho Cruz sparked a pivotal third-quarter push, before Jeron Teng seized the spotlight in the final frame. 

Teng delivered a massive lift off the bench, finishing with 13 points—12 of them coming in the fourth quarter—along with five rebounds and three assists.

The former La Salle standout was central to a decisive 13–5 run that turned a one-point edge into a commanding 80–71 cushion midway through the fourth, allowing the Beermen to wrest control and never look back. Trollano and Cruz finished with 12 and 11 points, respectively, easing the burden on San Miguel’s stars.

June Mar Fajardo continued his dominant stretch regardless, posting 21 points and 23 rebounds for his third straight 20-20 outing, while CJ Perez added 11 points and five boards. This time, though, the Beermen’s victory hinged on balance rather than survival.

On the other side, Ginebra leaned heavily on Stephen Holt and RJ Abarrientos, who scored 18 points each, with Norbert Torres adding 10. The rest of the Kings’ offense struggled to find consistency, including Ralph Cu, who was limited to just three points after his Game 1 breakout.

With TNT holding a commanding lead and San Miguel restoring parity, the semifinals now head into a crucial stretch. Game 3 of both best-of-seven series is set for Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Big Dome, where momentum—and perhaps separation—will again be up for grabs.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!