The TNT Tropang 5G squandered a double-digit lead but hung on to beat the Macau Giant Pandas, 106-103, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. With the close win, the Tropa started their PBA Governors’ Cup title defense on a winning note while dropping Macau to 0-4.
What Happened?
TNT and Macau played nip-and-tuck basketball early, with the latter keeping in lockstep with the former, 13-12, in the first six minutes of the opening frame. Six unanswered gave the Tropa a 19-12 edge en route to a 25-21 first quarter. The game stayed tight in the second, with Macau and TNT each scoring 27 as the defending champs entered halftime up, 52-48.
After halftime, the Tropa took their first double-digit lead thanks to a 28-19 third canto led by Rey Nambatac. StingRey continued his fine play into the final frame, leading TNT to a 101-83 lead at the 4:51 mark as the Tropang 5G looked set to cruise to the win. But, by sheer force of will and some sloppy play from the Tropa, the Giant Pandas crawled back to within 105-103. They even had the chance to tie in the end, but time ultimately ran out.
Who Stood Out?
Nambatac, a former PBA Finals MVP, showed out on Sunday, leading the Tropa with 23 points on 8-for-15 shooting with 6 dimes. He also had 9 points in the final frame, including five that helped TNT establish an 18-point lead. Backing up Nambatac was RR Pogoy, who finished with 21 markers.
Macau, meanwhile, relied heavily on De’Vondre Perry once more, and he responded with a 36-point, 10-rebound effort that included 11-for-12 shooting from the foul line. Damian Chong Qui also played well as he tallied 24 points and 8 assists while bringing energy all game long.
3 Keys to the Game
- Three-point shooting. Both teams shot a mediocre percentage from downtown—31.4% for TNT, 31.6% for Macau—but the Tropa made slightly more, 11 to 6. They also hit three from the arc in the third, where they first extended their lead to double digits.
- Bench play. Even without its full complement of stars, TNT still drew solid games from its reserves, particularly Pogoy. In all, the Tropa’s second stringers outscored their Macau counterparts, 47-35, which could explain why the Giant Pandas again fell short in the end.
- Nambatac and Pogoy. TNT may have had a depleted roster, but they still had Nambatac and Pogoy. The team’s old reliables delivered the goods as they not only combined for 44 points but also made big plays in the second half.
Next Up for the PBA
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | Ynares Center – Antipolo
- Meralco Bolts vs. Blackwater Bossing (5:15 p.m.)
- Phoenix Fuel Masters vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (7:30 p.m.)
