TNT Faces Uphill Battle Without Erram as San Miguel Gains Upper Hand in PBA Finals

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by Cristian Andal

TNT's Poy Erram (center, in civilian clothes) during Game 3 of the Philippine Cup Finals. Photo: Inquirer Sports.

The TNT Tropang 5G’s dream of clinching a rare Grand Slam has hit a major snag, as defensive anchor and veteran big man Poy Erram has ruled himself out of Game 4 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals due to a high ankle sprain. The news adds another layer of adversity for TNT, who are now trailing the best-of-seven series 1-2 against a surging San Miguel Beermen squad.

Erram, who injured his right ankle during a shot contest against June Mar Fajardo in Game 2, has been sidelined since that incident. While initial hopes suggested a quick recovery, the injury turned out to be more serious than expected. A torn ligament was later revealed, and the 6-foot-8 center has since been walking in a protective boot to avoid further aggravating the injury.

“Masakit pa eh,” Erram said after watching Game 3 from the sidelines. “Kahit naka-boot, nafo-feel ko pa rin.” Despite being present at the Smart Araneta Coliseum during Friday night’s 108-88 loss in Game 3, he never suited up. His absence was felt the most in the paint, where the Beermen outscored TNT, 48-28.

TNT head coach Chot Reyes confirmed the severity of the injury, acknowledging that there is no clear timetable for Erram’s return. “It’s a high ankle sprain. It’s a severe sprain, so we don’t know if he can come back,” Reyes admitted. 

When asked himself, Erram was even less optimistic: “Maga pa eh. Hindi pa kaya talaga,” he said when questioned about a Game 4 return. “Kung may magic, pero hindi talaga kaya. Masakit pa.”

Erram’s injury leaves a massive hole in the Tropang 5G’s already thin frontcourt rotation. The responsibility of defending San Miguel’s eight-time MVP Fajardo has now fallen entirely on the shoulders of Kelly Williams, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and Henry Galinato Jr. Unfortunately for TNT, the trio struggled to contain “The Kraken,” who exploded for 33 points, 11 rebounds, and added a steal and a block in Game 3.

Ganuelas-Rosser and Galinato, while gritty, combined for just six points in the game. Williams, though experienced, has had to battle foul trouble and the wear-and-tear of guarding a dominant force like Fajardo in extended minutes. The result: San Miguel dictated the pace and painted the lane red.

Still, despite the mounting odds, TNT is far from waving the white flag. “We just take it as it is. We have to find a way. We told our players to just keep fighting,” said Reyes, holding firm to the resolve that has defined the team’s gritty campaign this season.

With Game 4 looming on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the Tropang 5G find themselves in a must-win situation. A loss would push them to the brink of elimination and put San Miguel one win away from yet another championship. TNT’s Grand Slam hopes now rest on their ability to dig deep, improvise, and find new answers in the absence of their defensive linchpin.

Photo: PBA Images.

Erram remains hopeful that he might return by Game 5 on Wednesday, but even that is uncertain. “Siguro by Wednesday, makakalaro na ako,” he said. “Pero hindi pa rin ganun ka-100 percent… maga pa rin siya kasi high ankle sprain siya.”

As the series intensifies and every possession becomes more crucial, TNT’s ability to adapt without one of its main men in the middle will determine whether they can swing the momentum back—or watch their Grand Slam dreams slip away.