PBA: Meralco avoids repeat collapse, evens semis series vs TNT

Meralco Bolts’ CJ Cansino reacts after knocking down a crucial basket vs TNT Tropang 5G in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Game 4. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Meralco knew better than to repeat its past mistakes, beating  TNT, 101-90, in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

After blowing a seven-point lead to the Tropang 5G in a Game 3 loss on Sunday, the Bolts held firm this time to even the series at 2-2.

“We shot the ball well… We had to weather that comeback of theirs,” said coach Luigi Trillo. “We know they zoned in the last game, same way they did tonight but we managed well or better.”

Meralco built a 93-84 cushion after a Chris Banchero jumper with 4:43 left to play.

Meralco Bolts import Patrick Gardner during a game vs TNT Tropang 5G in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Game 4. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

But TNT–much like it did in Game 3–mounted another late rally, scoring seven unanswered points capped off by a triple from Roger Pogoy with 2:55 to go that slashed the deficit to three, 93-90.

CJ Cansino responded with the biggest shot of the game, knocking down a four-pointer to give Meralco a 97-90 cushion with 1:21 left. He finished with 17 points.

Meralco import Patrick Gardner fouled out in his Bolts debut, but not before dropping a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds. Javee Mocon also had 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Patrick Gardner, in his debut as Meralco’s newest import, has fouled out.

Meralco leads, 93-87, with 3:26 to go. #PBA50 | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/j53X3Uy1h0

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) May 27, 2026

TNT import Chris McCullough finished with 24 points and nine rebounds in his debut, while Jordan Heading added 15 points.

Pogoy and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser chipped in 14 points apiece in the loss.