The Meralco Bolts refused to let their season slip away.
Facing the brink of a 0–3 deficit, Meralco leaned on balance, discipline, and timely shot-making to carve out a 97–89 victory over sister team TNT Tropang 5G in Game 3 of the 2026 PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals series on Friday night, January 9, 2026, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The win trimmed the series gap to 2–1 and breathed life back into the Bolts’ title chase.
From the opening tip, Meralco played with urgency. The Bolts dictated the pace early, opening a 21–15 lead in the first quarter and never allowing TNT to fully seize momentum.
By halftime, Meralco had built a 47–38 cushion—an advantage rooted not in one-man heroics, but in collective execution on both ends.
Chris Banchero set the tone, delivering an all-around performance that steadied Meralco when TNT threatened to surge. Banchero finished with 18 points, six rebounds, and two assists, repeatedly attacking gaps in the defense and making the right reads under pressure.
Matching him shot for shot was CJ Cansino, who provided a spark with his efficiency. Cansino poured in 18 points on an impressive 7-of-8 shooting, adding two rebounds, one assist, and one steal. His timely baskets blunted TNT runs and gave Meralco much-needed breathing room, particularly in the second and third quarters.
Meralco’s depth proved decisive. Newsome chipped in 17 points, Quinto added 13, and Almazan anchored the middle with 11 points, helping the Bolts maintain control even as TNT tried to claw back behind individual brilliance.
TNT, for its part, leaned heavily on RR Pogoy, who erupted for a game-high 28 points. Pogoy kept the Tropang 5G within striking distance, especially in the third quarter when TNT narrowed the gap to seven, 70–63.
Each time TNT threatened, Meralco answered. The Bolts closed the door in the fourth quarter with poise, stretching the lead back to double digits and controlling the final minutes to secure the 97–89 decision.
With the series now at 2–1, the semifinals have been jolted back to life. Meralco proved it can match TNT’s firepower when playing connected basketball—setting the stage for a pivotal Game 4 where momentum, once again, hangs in the balance.
Game Scores – Meralco vs TNT
MERALCO 97 – Banchero 18, Cansino 18, Newsome 17, Quinto 13, Almazan 11, Hodge 9, Bates 4, Rios 3, Jose 3, Maliksi 2, Black 0, Caram 0
TNT 89 – Pogoy 28, Ganuelas-Rosser 14, Nambatac 13, Williams 11, Khobuntin 6, Erram 6, Oftana 6, Jalalon 3, Jalalon 3, Galinato 2, Enciso 0, Aurin 0, Heading 0
Quarter Scores: 21–15, 47–38, 70–63, 97–89
