It was a battle of wills that went down to the final tick at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, and when the dust settled, TNT emerged victorious over Meralco, 99-96, at their 5th semifinals match-up, punching their ticket to the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup finals.

Jordan Heading led the charge with 31 points, but it was the last 21 seconds that defined the game. Rey Nambatac’s four-pointer brought TNT within one, Heading’s steal and layup flipped the lead, and Calvin Oftana’s block set up the free throws that sealed the win.

Despite a career-high 36 points from CJ Cansino, Meralco struggled without injured stars Chris Newsome and Jansen Rios, and foul trouble further hampered their chances.

Bolt’s Aaron Black contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists off the bench, but TNT’s timely plays proved decisive.

With the victory, TNT enters its fourth straight finals, chasing the one Philippine Cup title that has eluded them—a fitting reward for composure under pressure.

Game Scores – TNT vs Meralco

TNT 99 – Heading 31, Nambatac 25, Ganuelas-Rosser 12, Oftana 10, Erram 6, Enciso 5, Galinato 4, Jalalon 4, Williams 2, Ferrer 0, Khobuntin 0, Aurin 0.

Meralco 96 – Cansino 36, Black 17, Rios 9, Banchero 8, Quinto 7, Jose 6, Hodge 6, Bates 4, Comia 3, Reyson 0, Almazan 0, Camam 0.

Quarter Scores: 30-20, 46-50, 75-72, 99-96.