The TNT Tropang 5G’s flickering hopes of achieving a coveted PBA Grand Slam remain alive.

This, as TNT dumped the San Miguel Beermen, 86-78, in Game 5 on a rainy Wednesday evening, July 16, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

One loss away from title contention, the Tropang 5G gave their all, making sure to put up a fight against the June Mar Fajardo-led squad and moved to 2-3 in the finals.

Chot Reyes’ wards dictated the tone of the match, pulling away as early as the second quarter as they established a 41-31 cushion by halftime.

After the Tropang 5G led by as much as 18, the Beermen had some signs of life as they closed within eight as Jericho Cruz nailed a triple, 84-76, late in the fourth frame.

But that comeback was eventually foiled as Cruz missed on his trey attempt later on, and Kelly Williams converted his trip to the charity stripe, with 43 ticks left.

The Tropang 5G found a Game 5 hero in Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who spearheaded that early TNT burst, totaling 18 points, five rebounds and five blocks.

Williams followed with a 14-point and seven-rebound statline, while Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading tallied 13 markers each.

Almond Vosotros, who is having decent contributions in the series, registered 11 points this time, and RR Pogoy also added 11 markers.

For the other side, it was Cruz who top-scored for them, listing 20 points and four rebounds.

TNT hopes to equalize on Friday, July 25, as the series goes to PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. (ABS-CBN News)