TNT shuts down Meralco in 2nd half to take PBA PH Cup semis opener

Calvin Oftana sealed TNT's Game 1 win with four straight free throws. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—TNT ripped Meralco apart in the second half to draw first blood in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals through a 100-95 win right at the league's first game for 2026 on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Letting the Bolts score 38 points in the first quarter and 62 by halftime, the Tropang 5G began turning things around in the third quarter when they held the Bolts to just 13 points and cut their lead to one, 75-74, entering the fourth.

TNT then seized control of the fourth period to complete the turnaround.

Meralco still had chances to steal the win within the last two minutes, but Chris Newsome missed a crucial layup and Jordan Rios airballed a four-point attempt that could have bailed the team out after its play was broken.

Four straight free throws from Calvin Oftana iced the game for the Tropang 5G.

Oftana led TNT with 28 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Rey Nambatac added 17 points, four rebounds, and two assists off the bench.

Brandon Rosser contributed 14 points on 6-for-8 shooting, 10 rebounds, and one block.

Chris Banchero led Meralco with 16 points, four rebounds, and two assists.

The Scores:

TNT 100 – Oftana 28, Nambatac 17, Pogoy 16, Ganuelas-Rosser 14, Heading 9, Williams 8, Khobuntin 6, Galinato 2, Jalalon 0, Enciso 0, Erram 0

MERALCO 95 – Banchero 16, Cansino 14, Newsome 13, Almazan 13, Hodge 8, Black 6, Reyson 6, Rios 6, Quinto 5, Jose 4, Bates 4

QUARTERS: 26-38, 46-62, 74-75, 100-95