Erram’s timely scoring spark helps TNT inch closer to PBA Finals berth

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Poy Erram delivered when the TNT Tropang 5G needed him most after putting up his best playoff performance in their dominant 102–83 Game 4 victory over the Meralco Bolts in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Jan. 11, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

With the win, the Tropang 5G moved just one win away from capturing another PBA All-Filipino grand finals appearance as they bagged a 3–1 semifinals lead over the struggling Meralco squad.

When Meralco’s defense did a tremendous job of limiting the production of Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading, TNT’s two-headed monster, Erram knew it was his time to shine, taking advantage of the gaps the Bolts left in the shaded lane.

Entering Game 4, Meralco made it known that it had already chosen its poison, which was to contain both Oftana’s and Heading’s offensive touches after the duo tormented them in the past three games.

A 1–2–2 mixed zone defense backed by a filled man-to-man defensive scheme stunned TNT from the get-go, neutralizing Oftana’s three-point shooting.

However, off a timeout, head coach Chot Reyes adjusted to counter Meralco’s varying zone defense, opting to play through Erram at the top of the key.

The veteran big man then paid off the coaching staff’s trust after exploding for 12 points in the first quarter and ending the half with 21 markers that helped the Tropang 5G take a seven-point lead.

Erram continued to do damage in the third quarter after finding open shooters through several swing-pass actions, while also controlling the boards despite tough interior coverage from Meralco’s Cliff Hodge.

TNT started to pull away midway through the third frame when Heading knocked down a huge trey, followed by back-to-back paint touches from Oftana.

Meralco attempted to chop down TNT’s massive lead after CJ Cansino’s personal scoring run, but Erram’s defensive efforts and Heading’s timely baskets dimmed the Bolts’ late push.

Erram wrapped up his Game 4 masterclass with 27 points on an efficient 9-of-11 shooting from the field, offsetting a dismal 9-of-28 combined shooting effort from Oftana and Heading.

The Tropang 5G will look to close out the semifinal series and clinch the first grand finals seat on Jan. 14, 2026.

Meanwhile, in the other bracket, Barangay Ginebra nabbed a lopsided Game 4 win over the San Miguel Beermen to equalize the series at 2-all.