Eala bows out to Vondrousova in Canadian Open first round
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Still in the hunt: TNT Tropang 5G keep grand slam bid alive
The dream of achieving a rare Grand Slam lives on for the TNT Tropang 5G as they defeated the San Miguel Beermen in Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals, 86-78, on Wednesday night, July 23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
TNT came out strong from the get-go, building a 27-20 lead in the opening quarter, led by Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who exploded for 14 points in the first period. He finished with 18 points, five rebounds, one assist, three steals, and a game-high five blocks.
Photo Courtesy: PBA
Veteran Kelly Williams followed with 14 markers, seven boards, and two dimes, while Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading chipped in 13 points each to help secure the win for the Tropang 5G. RR Pogoy also added 11 markers—matching Almond Vosotros’ output, who emerged as the x-factor in Game 5 to keep TNT’s title hopes alive.
On the San Miguel side, Jericho Cruz once again led the charge, finishing with a game-high 20 points and four boards.
Marcio Lassiter and 12-time BPC awardee June Mar Fajardo contributed 15 and 13 points, respectively, in their effort to cut TNT’s lead and clinch the championship—but fell short.
The Tropang 5G held on to their early advantage until the final buzzer, forcing a crucial Game 6 scheduled for Friday, July 25, at 7:30 PM at the Philsports Arena.
The scores:
TNT 86 – Ganuelas-Rosser 18, Williams 14, Oftana 13, Heading 13, Vosotros 11, Pogoy 11, Aurin 4, Khobuntin 2, Heruela 0.
SMB 78 – Cruz 20, Lassiter 15, Fajardo 13, Tautuaa 9, Trollano 8, Ross 6, Perez 5, Rosales 2, Brondial 0, Teng 0, Tiongson 0.
Quarter Scores: 27-20; 41-31; 59-53; 86-78.
