TNT Draws First Blood in Controversial PBA Finals Opener vs San Miguel

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by Cristian Andal

TNT's RR Pogoy shoots against SMB's June Mar Fajardo during Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals. Photo: PBA Images.

The TNT Tropang 5G made a powerful statement in Game 1 of the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup Finals, outlasting the San Miguel Beermen, 99–96, in a thrilling contest at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on July 13. 

The victory didn’t come without drama, as the game ended in controversy following a crucial basket interference call that nullified a San Miguel go-ahead dunk in the dying seconds.

Returning from injury, RR Pogoy wasted no time reminding fans what he’s capable of. The sharpshooting guard exploded for 23 points in just 18 minutes of action, hitting five triples and scoring 15 in the first half alone. Pogoy’s hot hand helped TNT build a commanding 20-point lead by halftime, as the Tropang Giga punished San Miguel’s defense with a barrage of perimeter shots. TNT finished the game with 17 made three-pointers, compared to San Miguel’s lone triple—an astounding 45–5 advantage in points from beyond the arc.

Jordan Heading added 19 points and six assists, while Calvin Oftana contributed 13 points and hit clutch free throws to help seal the win. Anchored by a pace-and-space offense, TNT’s ball movement and floor spacing had the Beermen struggling to recover, especially as the Tropang Giga found success in mismatches and quick rotations.

Photo: PBA Images.

But the Beermen, as always, refused to go down quietly.

Down by as much as 24 in the second half, San Miguel unleashed a furious rally in the fourth quarter, going on a 19–0 run to briefly take the lead, 93–92. June Mar Fajardo, the six-time MVP, led the charge with 26 points and 15 rebounds, while CJ Perez added 19 points, many of them coming in the final frame. Mo Tautuaa also chipped in 10 points and nearly gave San Miguel the lead with a thunderous dunk in the final minute—if not for the officiating crew’s controversial call.

With under a minute left and San Miguel down by one, Tautuaa slammed home a putback that electrified the crowd. But after review, the officials deemed it offensive basket interference, citing that the San Miguel big man had pulled the rim down as the ball bounced in. 

The nullification of the basket triggered an uproar both on the court and online, with fans and analysts debating the validity of the ruling. PBA Deputy Commissioner Eric Castro later defended the decision, saying it was in accordance with league rules.

TNT capitalized on the break. Following a jump ball won by Oftana, the forward calmly knocked down two free throws to stretch their lead to three. San Miguel still had a chance to tie the game, but Perez’s last-second three-point attempt fell short, allowing TNT to escape with a narrow win and a 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

After the game, TNT coach Chot Reyes praised his team’s poise, particularly in weathering San Miguel’s fourth-quarter storm. “Against a team like them, when you give them an inch, they pounce,” Reyes said. On the other side, Beermen head coach Leo Austria lamented the controversial ending, saying, “The beauty of the game was lost because of that call.”

Beyond the win, TNT’s Game 1 performance was a showcase of resilience, preparation, and tactical brilliance. With Pogoy back and their outside shooting in sync, the Tropang Giga looked every bit like a team capable of disrupting San Miguel’s championship momentum. But if the Beermen’s comeback attempt was any indication, this series is far from over.

Game 2 is set for July 16, and with tensions already high, fans can expect more fireworks. TNT has taken the early lead, but San Miguel—fueled by experience, pride, and now a hint of controversy—will surely come back with a vengeance. The race for the All-Filipino crown is heating up, and if Game 1 is any indication, this Finals series might go down as one of the most unforgettable in PBA history.