The Long Road to the Semis

The PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals proved unforgiving to the league’s higher seeds on Wednesday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig. Neither Rain or Shine nor TNT allowed the second- and third-seeded teams a quick route to the semifinals. Instead, what unfolded was a dramatic double-header that underscored how playoff basketball can defy expectations and momentum.

In the nightcap, the TNT Tropang Giga eked out a heart-pounding 89-88 victory over the Magnolia Hotshots, denying the Hotshots an outright semifinal berth and keeping their own grand slam dreams alive. Anchored by a scorching performance from RR Pogoy, TNT now forces a do-or-die rematch on Sunday for a place in the Final Four.

RR Pogoy’s Heroics: 30 Points and a Refusal to Go Home

If there’s one player who defined this victory for TNT, it was RR Pogoy. The veteran swingman poured in 30 points, including key baskets that turned the tide in the fourth quarter. His presence was most felt during TNT’s late surge when they overturned a 13-point deficit and built a 7-point cushion heading into the final minute.

“Mindset ko lang eh ayaw ko magpatalo, ayaw ko mag-bakasyon,” said Pogoy after the game — a sentiment that encapsulated TNT’s entire performance.

Whether it was a timely jumper, a hustle play, or a steadying presence amid Magnolia’s relentless rallies, Pogoy’s fingerprints were all over this win. He provided the offensive firepower when it mattered most, helping TNT keep their season — and their historic grand slam aspirations — alive.

Supporting Cast Shines Bright

While Pogoy was the focal point of TNT’s offense, he didn’t do it alone. Four other players scored in double figures, underscoring a team-wide effort in one of the season’s most high-stakes games:

• Calvin Oftana added 21 points, including several crucial buckets during TNT’s fourth-quarter run.

• Kelly Williams, at 42 years old, turned back the clock with 12 points, and more importantly, a game-deciding offensive rebound with just seconds left.

• Jordan Heading and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser each chipped in 10 points, playing vital roles in both spacing the floor and anchoring TNT’s defense during crunch time.

The resilience of this group was especially notable, as they weathered not just Magnolia’s furious rallies but also key absences and in-game adversity, including:

• A flagged foul by Poy Erram, which shifted momentum momentarily.

• Another flagrant foul from Oftana, leading to free throws and a possession for Magnolia.

• The early exit of Brian Heruela due to injury, which forced Chot Reyes to reshuffle his guard rotation.

Still, the Tropa endured, a testament to their depth and experience.

Momentum Swings: A Game of Runs and Reversals

The matchup was a chess game of momentum and adjustments. Magnolia seemed to have taken control in the third quarter, building a 13-point lead through tight defense and fluid ball movement. TNT’s offense sputtered momentarily, while the Hotshots looked poised to cruise into the semifinals.

But then, in a sudden reversal of roles, TNT flipped the script in the fourth quarter:

• Back-to-back three-pointers by Ganuelas-Rosser and Kelly Williams ignited the comeback.

• A steal and layup from Calvin Oftana off a turnover by Zavi Lucero completed a stunning 16-2 run that left Magnolia rattled.

When the dust settled, TNT had built an 88-81 lead late in the game, seemingly on their way to a comfortable win.

Magnolia’s Last Stand: A Furious 7-0 Run

However, the Hotshots were far from done.

With under a minute left, Rome dela Rosa buried a cold-blooded triple to cut the lead to four. Then, Paul Lee was fouled while launching a three and nailed all four free throws (three shots plus a technical), tying the game at 88-all with 37.4 seconds remaining.

Suddenly, TNT’s once-firm grasp on the game was slipping.

But basketball, as always, came down to the final possessions.

 

Final Moments: One Free Throw, One Rebound, One Missed Shot

With the game tied and the pressure sky-high, TNT turned to Oftana once more, who drove hard to the basket but missed a contested layup. Fortunately for the Tropang Giga, Kelly Williams came flying in, snatching a crucial offensive rebound and drawing a foul from William Navarro with 6.8 seconds left on the clock.

Williams, the 2008 PBA MVP, made the first free throw to put TNT ahead, 89-88, but missed the second — opening the door for a Magnolia miracle.

However, the Hotshots failed to even get a clean look in their final play. TNT’s defense swarmed the ball handler, and the clock expired with the Hotshots still looking for a shot. Just like that, TNT survived.

What’s at Stake: Legacies, Titles, and Grand Slam Dreams

This victory does more than just extend TNT’s season. It keeps alive their pursuit of the rare PBA Grand Slam, a feat achieved by only a few franchises in league history.

At the same time, Magnolia faces immense pressure. A powerhouse team with a deep bench and championship pedigree, they haven’t won a Philippine Cup title since 2014. Their playoff experience is unmatched, but they now face a one-game survival scenario against a TNT team that has momentum, confidence, and belief.

Chot Reyes’ Adjustment Masterclass

One cannot overlook the strategic tweaks made by Coach Chot Reyes, who navigated a turbulent game with poise:

• Despite losing Heruela and having two players whistled for flagrant fouls, he kept his rotations tight and timely.

• He allowed his veterans to take charge while ensuring the young core remained aggressive on both ends of the floor.

• His decision to rely on the veteran Williams in the clutch paid off with a game-saving sequence.

Reyes has long been praised — and at times criticized — for his methods, but this game showed his ability to motivate, adjust, and trust the moment.

Magnolia’s Missed Opportunity

For Magnolia, the game was a painful reminder that no lead is safe and no opportunity guaranteed. Their defense was sharp for three quarters, but their inability to close out TNT when they had the chance may haunt them heading into Sunday’s sudden-death clash.

Still, there were bright spots:

• Paul Lee’s clutch playmaking remains elite, especially his ability to draw fouls in big moments.

• Rome dela Rosa’s three-point shooting gave Magnolia a chance late.

• The Hotshots’ overall defensive schemes disrupted TNT for much of the game — until the final five minutes.

Their task now: regroup, recover, and refocus.

Looking Ahead: The Do-or-Die Showdown

Sunday will now feature a high-stakes win-or-go-home battle between two of the PBA’s most storied franchises.

For TNT, a win continues their historic mission.

For Magnolia, it’s a chance to correct missed opportunities and march toward a long-awaited crown.

The game promises:

• A tactical duel between Chot Reyes and Chito Victolero.

• Star power with the likes of RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, Paul Lee, and Ian Sangalang.

• Emotional fireworks, with the weight of legacies hanging in the balance.

 

No Easy Paths in the PBA Playoffs

If Wednesday night proved anything, it’s that no team — no matter how high the seed — is guaranteed an easy route to the semis. The playoffs are a different beast, and both TNT and Magnolia experienced that reality firsthand.

With both teams now facing a do-or-die battle, fans can expect nothing less than intensity, strategy, and pure basketball drama.

As the league inches closer to crowning a champion, games like this remind everyone — players, coaches, and fans alike — why PBA basketball continues to capture the nation’s heart.

The scores:
TNT 89 – Pogoy 30, Oftana 21, Williams 12, Heading 10, Rosser 10, Erram 4, Galinato 2, Khobuntin 0, Heruela 0, Aurin 0, Enciso 0, Varilla 0.

Magnolia 88 – Lee 15, Navarro 14, Lucero 14, Lastimosa 12, Sangalang 10, Dela Rosa 10, Barroca 6, Dionisio 4, Laput 2, Reavis 1, Alfaro 0.

Quarterscores: 18-22, 37-44, 61-65, 89-88