TNT sobers up San Miguel to level PBA Finals series

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The TNT Tropang 5G pulled off a statement bounce-back win after demolishing the San Miguel Beermen, 110-87, to equalize the PBA Philippine Cup grand finals series at 2-all on Jan. 28, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

After letting Game 3 slip away, the Tropang 5G made sure no slow starts and late-game drama would dim their goal of redeeming themselves, as they bagged a convincing wire-to-wire victory to snatch Game 4.

In a lopsided turnaround, it was TNT’s turn to showcase its balanced offensive firepower after its starting unit dropped the early hammer with a demoralizing 13-0 scoring run to kick off the game.

Calvin Oftana spearheaded TNT’s fiery start with early three-pointers, backstopped by Jordan Heading’s solid and consistent offensive production that helped the Tropang 5G cap off the opener with a 35-18 advantage.

Unfortunately, San Miguel’s adjustment of setting baseline screens to free up June Mar Fajardo at the elbow didn’t work, as TNT just brushed off the pin-downs by going under to stay with their man.

TNT continued to inflict damage in the second quarter as they outscored San Miguel, 30-22, to hold a comfortable 25-point lead at the half, 65-40.

The Tropang 5G even pushed their cushion to as much as 35 points, capitalizing on San Miguel’s sloppy executions as well as their salty shooting from the three-point stripe.

The Beermen attempted to pull within 13 points behind Don Trollano’s late resurgence inside the final six minutes of the third, but a counter avalanche from Rey Nambatac and Oftana helped restore order for the Tropang 5G.

Game 4 was pretty much over when San Miguel went on a scoring drought and could only watch TNT pick them apart on both ends of the floor.

With five minutes still remaining in the fourth and final frame, San Miguel head coach Leo Austria decided to rest all of his starters, indicating a sign of retreat to refresh and go over the drawing board ahead of the pivotal Game 5.

Oftana was a man on a mission for the Tropang 5G after leading all scorers with 29 big points, built from an efficient 5-of-8 shooting from three-point territory, alongside six rebounds, four steals, and a block.

Also stepping up when TNT needed him the most was Heading, who delivered 17 points, while Nambatac and veteran power forward Kelly Williams chipped in 13 and eight markers, respectively.

Can TNT sustain its momentum and win two games in a row? Or will the Beermen respond with a sense of urgency to retake the PBA Finals series lead?