TNT holds off San Miguel in Game 5 to keep Grand Slam bid alive

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Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser shines on both ends as TNT breathes new life to its Grand Slam aspirations after losing the last three games of the PBA Philippine Cup finals

MANILA, Philippines – TNT’s bid of joining the exclusive Grand Slam club is still alive.

The Tropang 5G staved off elimination and extended the PBA Philippine Cup finals against San Miguel after an 86-78 win in Game 5 at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, July 23.

Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser shone on both ends with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 assists as TNT breathed new life to its Grand Slam aspirations after losing the last three games.

“I saw a lot fight, just an unwillingness to give up,” said Tropang 5G head coach Chot Reyes.

“Our discussion, our pregame talk was all about, this has been a very, very long season and now we’re down to our final week and I said let’s make this the best week. We’ll just fight as hard as we can and we’ll see what happens.”

Ganuelas-Rosser set tone with 14 points in the opening quarter before the rest of the Tropang 5G followed suit, with five of his teammates also scoring in double figures.

Kelly Williams tallied 14 points and 7 rebounds, Calvin Oftana finished with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks, Jordan Heading put up 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Roger Pogoy chimed in 11 points.

TNT also got quality minutes from Almond Vosotros, who supplied 11 points off the bench, including a pair of big shots in the fourth quarter.

Down by as many as 18 points, the Beermen got within a single possession at the start of the fourth quarter, 55-59, before the Tropang 5G restored order with a 13-0 run capped by a Vosotros three-pointer and layup.

“I could see in yesterday’s practice and today in the body language and in the eyes of our players, they were just not willing to give up,” said Reyes.

“We’ve said that all year, as long as we show up, we don’t give up, we give ourselves a chance.”

The Scores

TNT 86 – Ganuelas-Rosser 18, Williams 14, Oftana 13, Heading 13, Pogoy 11, Vosotros 11, Aurin 4, Khobuntin 2, Heruela 0.

San Miguel 78 – Cruz 20, Lassiter 15, Fajardo 13, Tautuaa 9, Trollano 8, Ross 6, Perez 5, Rosales 2, Brondial 0, Teng 0, Tiongson 0.

Quarters: 27-20, 41-31, 59-53, 86-78.

– Rappler.com