TNT reclaims momentum, Magnolia makes statement in Antipolo

On Sunday, May 4, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, Rizal, the TNT Tropang 5G finally found their groove after dropping their first three outings, while the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots continued to dominate the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, capturing their fifth straight victory.

TNT’s 89-84 upset over the San Miguel Beermen was less about precision and more about pride.

“We're a different team now,” admitted TNT head coach Chot Reyes, acknowledging the absence of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson—due to the All-Filipino format—and team leader Jayson Castro, who remains out with an injury. “We said, ‘Let’s write our own story.’ This win is just the first chapter.”

Calvin Oftana led the charge with 23 points and a career-high 21 rebounds, delivering both the numbers and the intangibles.

In the second game, Magnolia flexed its depth and dominance, steamrolling Terrafirma, 127-94, to remain the only unbeaten team at 5-0.

Zavier Lucero once again led the Hotshots with 17 points and nine rebounds.

The new system employed by head coach Chito Victolero continues to pay dividends. He utilized all 15 players, each contributing at least three points in the win.

“We’re happy with the start, but we know the job’s not done,” said Victolero, whose team is clearly playing with a renewed sense of urgency after lackluster performances in the season’s earlier conferences.

In the second quarter, Magnolia ambushed Terrafirma with a stunning 27-2 run that turned a close game into a blowout, exposing Terrafirma’s struggles on the glass and in transition. The Hotshots out-rebounded the Dyip 66-27 and limited them to just four field goals in that period. The statistical gaps were telling: +30 in inside points, +22 in second-chance scoring, and a +10 advantage in turnover conversions.

Meanwhile, TNT’s victory was a product of grit rather than dominance. Despite squandering an 11-point lead, they held firm in the clutch. Simon Enciso, a former Beerman, hit three triples—including a dagger late in the fourth—while RR Pogoy and Rey Nambatac delivered timely buckets.

Enciso’s performance—efficient and error-free—symbolized TNT’s renewed discipline: not flashy, but effective.

San Miguel leaned on CJ Perez’s 26 points and a double-double from June Mar Fajardo, but a lack of consistent support and defensive lapses down the stretch proved costly.

Terrafirma, now at 1-4, was once again undone by poor execution and a weak interior presence. Despite solid showings from Louie Sangalang (19 points, 12 rebounds) and Stanley Pringle (17 points), they couldn’t match Magnolia’s tempo and cohesion.

In the bigger picture, Magnolia’s ascent reflects a team finally aligning execution with expectation, while TNT’s breakthrough may serve as a pivotal moment—not just in the standings, but in rediscovering their identity.

In a league where momentum is fleeting and reputations are forged in the crucible of conference play, both wins meant more than just numbers. For one team, it was confirmation. For the other, it was resurrection.

1st Game:

MAGNOLIA 127 - Lucero 17, Lee 13, Ahanmisi 11, Eriobu 11, Laput 9, Abueva 8, Lastimosa 8, Sangalang 8, Dela Rosa 8, Balanza 8, Barroca 7, Alfaro 6, Escoto 6, Reavis 4, Dionisio 3.

TERRAFIRMA 94 - Sangalang 19, Pringle 17, Ferrer 17, Olivario 8, Melecio 7, Ramos 7, Hernandez 6, Catapusan 6, Nonoy 4, Zaldivar 3, Hanapi 0.

Quarter Scores: 27-25, 65-37, 91-63, 127-94.

2nd Game:

TNT 89 - Oftana 23, Nambatac 15, Pogoy 14, Enciso 13, Williams 12, Khobuntin 8, Erram 4, Heruela 0, Razon 0, Aurin 0.

SAN MIGUEL 84 - Perez 26, Fajardo 21, Tiongson 15, Lassiter 14, Cruz 6, Brondial 2, Tautuaa 0, Teng 0, Ross 0, Trollano 0, Rosales 0, Cahilig 0.

Quarter Scores: 26-26, 44-39, 71-62, 89-84.