Rey Nambatac Shines in Return as TNT Opens PBA Season 50 with Statement Win

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by Cristian Andal

TNT guard Rey Nambatac (6) shoots over a Phoenix defender during their first game of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
TNT guard Rey Nambatac (6) shoots over a Phoenix defender during their first game of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup. Photo: PBA Images. 

If there were any doubts about Rey Nambatac’s form after missing TNT’s Grand Slam chase last season, he erased them in one electrifying performance. 

The crafty guard came back with purpose, leading the Tropang 5G to a convincing 93-78 victory over the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in their maiden game in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Friday night at the Ynares Center in Montalban.

Nambatac, finally healthy and hungry, looked every bit like a man on a mission, torching Phoenix for 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including a pair of treys. He also chipped in six rebounds, three assists, and a steal, showcasing the all-around game that made him one of the league’s most underrated stars.

“I just wanted to make up for lost time,” Nambatac said postgame. “Last season was tough watching from the sidelines, so this one’s for my teammates and the fans who stuck with me.”

The Tropang 5G, still stinging from their narrow miss at a Triple Crown sweep last year, started slow but broke loose after halftime, turning a 45-42 edge into a double-digit cushion they never relinquished. Calvin Oftana added 15 points, while Kevin Ferrer and Simon Enciso each fired 12 — both delivering daggers from deep to break Phoenix’s resistance.

TNT's new acquisition Kevin Ferrer (right) fights for the loose ball against a Phoenix player.
TNT's new acquisition Kevin Ferrer (right) fights for the loose ball against a Phoenix player. Photo: PBA Images.

Ferrer, TNT’s newest addition, wasted no time making an impression. The former Ginebra sniper went 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, finishing with 12 points, two rebounds, two blocks, and an assist in just 17 minutes of play. His shooting helped fuel TNT’s hot hand from long range, as the Tropang 5G drained 15-of-35 three-pointers, compared to Phoenix’s 6-of-23.

For the Fuel Masters, it was a tale of two halves. They traded blows early behind Tyler Tio, Jason Perkins, Kai Ballungay, and Ken Tuffin, but faded as TNT’s veteran core turned up the defensive pressure. Phoenix, playing its first game under new coach Willy Wilson, will have to regroup fast to find consistency.

For TNT, this was more than just a win — it was a message. With Nambatac back in full flight, Oftana in rhythm, and Ferrer finding his groove, the Tropang 5G look poised for another deep run in the All-Filipino wars.

The grind for redemption starts now — and TNT just showed they’re still built for it.

The Scores:

TNT (93) - Nambatac 22, Oftana 15, Ferrer 12, Enciso 12, Khobuntin 9, Pogoy 8, Galinato 8, Jalalon 4, Williams 3, Hill, 0.

Phoenix (78) - Tio 12, Perkins 12, Balungay 11, Tuffin 10, Nelle 9, Rivero 8, Santos 6, Manganti 5, Jazul 3, Taha 2, Caperal 0.

Quarterscores: 22-21, 45-42, 66-56, 93-78