MANILA — TNT Tropang 5G moved within one win of a return trip to the PBA Philippine Cup Finals after imposing its will inside and dismantling Meralco Bolts, 102-83, in Game 4 of the Season 50 semifinals Sunday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Anchored by a dominant, near-flawless performance from John Paul Erram, the Tropang 5G seized a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, putting Meralco on the brink of elimination.
Erram delivered 27 points on an ultra-efficient 9-of-11 shooting clip, while also posting nine rebounds, three blocks, and two assists to control both ends of the floor. The former Gilas Pilipinas big man set the tone early and never let up as TNT steadily pulled away.
Jordan Heading and Calvin Oftana rebounded from quiet outings in Game 3 with 15 and 14 points, respectively, while Kim Aurin chipped in 10 markers to bolster TNT’s balanced attack.
Erram erupted for 12 points in the opening quarter as TNT edged ahead, 20-19, then added nine more in the second period to help stretch the lead to 45-38 at halftime. The Tropang 5G tightened their grip in the second half, pushing the margin to double digits in the third quarter and blowing the game wide open with a 24-point cushion in the final frame.
For Meralco, Chris Banchero led the scoring with 19 points, while Clifford Hodge and Crispin John Cansino added 17 apiece in a losing effort.
Meanwhile, in the other semifinal pairing, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings responded with authority, overpowering the San Miguel Beermen, 105-91, to level their series.
Scottie Thompson turned in a career night, pouring in a personal-best 35 points and completing a triple-double with 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Japeth Aguilar scored 14 points, Norbert Torres added 13, while Jayson David and Rhon Jay Abarrientos contributed 12 and 11, respectively.
After absorbing an early 16-point deficit, Ginebra clawed back behind Thompson’s all-around brilliance to grab a slim 56-55 halftime lead. The Gin Kings broke the game open midway through the third quarter with back-to-back triples by Torres, followed by a decisive inside surge that sealed the win.
Game 5 of both semifinal series is set to determine whether TNT can punch its Finals ticket and whether the Ginebra–San Miguel rivalry heads toward another extended showdown./PN
