Romwel Anzures

TNT’s Calvin Oftana against Rain or Shine in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup. Photo from PBA Images.

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<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750570800257IMG_7212.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="TNT’s Calvin Oftana against Rain or Shine in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup. Photo from PBA Images."/>TNT’s Calvin Oftana against Rain or Shine in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup. Photo from PBA Images.MANILA — The TNT Tropang 5G managed to defy the odds to keep their Grand Slam bid intact.</div>Despite having a twice-to-beat disadvantage in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup quarterfinals, TNT is advancing into the semifinals as they completed an upset over higher-seeded Magnolia Hotshots.The Tropang 5G weathered a scoring drought in the fourth quarter of their Game 2 faceoff on Saturday, and also coming to the rescue was Kelly Williams who hit two clutch freethrows to seal the victory.“Luckily, Kelly put himself in position to get the rebound,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes of Williams, who grabbed the crucial offensive glass that not only won them the game, but also kept their season alive.“We are lucky that Kelly made those two free throws. I don’t think we would last those five minutes if we went into overtime,” added Reyes.This eventually booked them a rematch against the Rain or Shine ElastoPainters, a team that they previously faced in the Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup semis.But while the Tropang 5G booted the E-Painters out of contention in that clash, Reyes’ troops will be shorthanded this time around.Missing from their rotation are their lead guards Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac as the pair is currently dealing with their respective injuries.Brian Heruela and Calvin Oftana are also hurt due to the wear and tear of the playoffs, but Reyes said that they will be going to battle with who they have.“Whoever we play, they will be hungry, so hahanapan na lang namin ng paraaan,” said the former Gilas Pilipinas coach. “Whoever is healthy, we go with them.”And while taking down a team with the quarters bonus is already a huge step forward for any team, Reyes emphasized that there is no room for them to relax and get complacent.“We have another series to think about. There is some relief that we are able to get into the Final 4, but any kind of satisfaction is gonna be short-lived,” he said. “But at least, we have a chance.”For RR Pogoy, who averaged 24.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and a steal to step up for the short-staffed TNT, conquering the semis will be a matter of not overlooking RoS despite their Grand Slam hopes being within sight.“Tumatak lang sa akin yung sinabi ni coach na unfair yung buhay, pero laban pa rin tayo,” he said. “Bigyan lang natin ng chance yung team natin matalo.”“Kung ano yung opportunity sa harap natin, ‘wag nating sayangin. Sa buhay, minsan yung opportunity ‘di bumabalik eh, so hindi lang namin sinayang,” he added.TNT and RoS will begin their Best-of-7 semis affair on Wednesday, June 25, 5:00 p.m., at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The TNT Tropang 5G managed to defy the odds to keep their Grand Slam bid intact.

The TNT Tropang 5G managed to defy the odds to keep their Grand Slam bid intact.

PBA: TNT not looking past Rain or Shine even with Grand Slam still in sight

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PBA: TNT not looking past Rain or Shine even with Grand Slam still in sight

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jun 22, 2025 08:30 PM PHT

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