PBA: Bol Bol, TNT survive Meralco rally to draw first blood in semis

SCHEDULE: 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Semifinals

TNT Tropang 5G’s Bol Bol during a game against Meralco Bolts in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

ANTIPOLO—TNT avoided a late collapse against Meralco to take Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, 94-89, at Ynares Sports Center here on Wednesday.

The Tropang 5G seized a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series despite a late fightback from the Bolts.

“The one thing that we focused on our game plan was to not allow Meralco to clobber us,” coach Chot Reyes said.

“I thought if we were able to match their energy and effort then we give ourselves a good chance.”

TNT built an 11-point lead midway through the fourth quarter, 88-77, before Meralco answered with a 7-2 run to cut the deficit to five, 90-85, after a basket by Marvin Jones with 1:25 left.

TNT Tropang 5G’s Jordan Heading during a game against Meralco Bolts in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Bol Bol then sank a heavily contested jumper, but Bong Quinto quickly answered with a four-pointer to trim the lead to 92-89 with under a minute remaining.

Bol, who finished with 37 points and 11 rebounds, delivered the dagger with an awkward layup that restored a five-point cushion, 94-89, with 1:07 left in the game.

Roger Pogoy had 21 for the Tropang 5G while Calvin Oftana finished with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Jordan Heading came off the bench for 16 points.

Jones finished with a double-double of 22 points and 14 rebounds in the Meralco loss while Quinto had 17. CJ Cansino and Chris Newsome tallied 12 and 11 points, respectively.