PBA FINALS: TNT refuses to go home, contains SMB to stay alive

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The TNT Tropang Giga lived another day after holding off the San Miguel Beermen, 86-78, during Game 5 of the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup grand finals on July 23, 2025, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

With the gutsy Game 5 dub, the Tropang 5G prevented the Beermen from wrapping up the series in just five games, keeping their PBA Grand Slam aspirations alive.

Thanks to multiple efforts from the starters to the bench, TNT did their assignment and gave San Miguel a dose of different looks as part of their well-prepared adjustments heading into Game 5.

After getting dominated in the paint in the first four games, the Tropang 5G put an emphasis on anchoring the shaded lane and stepping up to put the green mark on the checklist is Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser who had an outstanding all-around performance.

The two-way athletic big man didn’t back down against San Miguel’s towering frontcourt duo of June Mar Fajardo and Moala Tautuaa, playing inspired basketball when he erupted with 14 points in just the first 12 minutes of action.

Rosser was very active in crashing the boards as he piled up his scoring tally from second-chance points alongside his perimeter jumper that went missing in the first four games.

His communication in the pick-and-roll plays of the Beermen also played a vital role in their defensive schemes, reading the passing lanes while ordering his guards for a quick switch that neutralized Fajardo’s ability to ram his way to the cup.

San Miguel was still within striking distance in the first canto but a demoralizing 17-1 scoring run by the Tropang 5G changed the complexion of the entire ball game.

TNT’s defense forced the Beermen to hoist poor shot selections and held them scoreless in a span of six minutes, until Chris Ross drained a trey that halted their bleeding midway through the second frame.

That massive run made possible by their tremendous defensive coverage boosted their morale in the game, and paved the way for Calvin Oftana and Kelly Williams to take over in the offensive department.

San Miguel had its golden moment when they were able to trim their 18-point deficit to just four points, 59-55, but TNT weathered the storm and countered with a 13-0 run that proved to be the nail in the coffin.

Rosser was a beast for the Tropang 5G as the young center flaunted with an all-around effort of 18 points, four blocks, and three assists.

Backstopping the athletic Rosser was his partner down low, Williams, who flashed a vintage performance with 14 markers and seven rebounds.

On the other hand, the Beermen received another 20-point outing from Jericho Cruz off the bench but needed more help as Don Trollano and Fajardo only managed to chip in eight and 13 points, respectively.

Can TNT force a do-or-die Game 7 on July 25, 2025, or will San Miguel shower themselves with the championship balloons if a win will be served in Game 6?