The TNT Tropang 5G averted a 19-point collapse to draw first blood in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup finals.
Kelly Williams and the rest of the Tropang 5G steadied themselves just in time to overcome the San Miguel Beermen, 96-91, in Game 1 on Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The 6-foot-5 veteran finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and a block to lead TNT, but Williams downplayed his role despite taking charge down the stretch.
“Our purpose as a team is to do what’s needed. I’m just doing my part,” said the 43-year-old, who dished out a pair of crucial assists late.
With TNT clinging to a three-point lead, 90-87, in crunch time, Williams delivered a pinpoint pass to Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser for an easy layup that pushed their cushion to 92-87 with 49 seconds left.
Jericho Cruz answered with four straight points off a pair of TNT turnovers to pull San Miguel Beer within one, 91-92, with 15.2 seconds remaining, but the Tropang 5G showed poise to further deny the Beermen’s comeback.
Jordan Heading went a perfect 4-for-4 from the foul line in the closing moments to stretch the lead to five and effectively seal the win, while Don Trollano, for his part, missed two attempts from beyond the arc before the buzzer sounded.
Heading finished with 13 points and eight rebounds, Calvin Oftana posted 13 markers, 10 boards and five dimes, and Henry Galinato also stepped up with 12 points and two rebounds.
Rey Nambatac and Simon Enciso chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively, while Ganuelas-Rosser added eight markers for TNT, which survived despite committing 19 turnovers that led to 25 San Miguel Beer fastbreak points.
“It’s just one game. We’re going to fix our mistakes for Friday, and we can’t be content against San Miguel,” Williams said.
For San Miguel Beer, June Mar Fajardo’s monstrous 24-point, 17-rebound performance went for naught, as did Mo Tautuaa’s 22 points, four rebounds and two steals.
CJ Perez scored 16, while Rodney Brondial tallied 10 points, two rebounds and two assists in the loss.
TNT will look to grab a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series on Friday, January 23, at 7:30 p.m., still at the Antipolo-based venue. (ABS-CBN News)