REACHING the next level is familiar territory for TNT Tropang Giga — but not under these circumstances.
Plagued by injuries to key players and facing a gritty Rain or Shine squad, TNT is bracing for another tough challenge in its bid to become the first finalist in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Determined to push through adversity, TNT hopes to follow up Wednesday’s 108-92 win with another strong performance on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A Game 5 victory would seal the best-of-seven semifinal series at 4-1 and grant the Tropa much-needed rest as they await the outcome of the other Final Four clash between Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer, which stands at 2-2.
Such a break is vital for the team, especially with Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana and Kelly Williams nursing injuries and doubtful for Game 5. Head coach Chot Reyes voiced concern over the mounting setbacks.
“I’m only concerned if we have enough men because we’re just falling like flies. We lost Kelly today, Calvin as well,” Reyes said. TNT has already been without veterans Jayson Castro and
Rey Nambatac since before the series began.
“But just as it’s been since Day One, not only this conference but the entire season, it’s just whoever we have, next man up,” he added. “So for me going into the next game that’s my only concern: Who do we have and how can I make best use of whoever it is that we have left.”
Those remaining have stepped up, including Jordan Heading, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Glenn Khobuntin, Henry Galinato Jr., Brian Heruela, Poy Erram and Kim Aurin, rallying for a bounceback win in Game 4 after a lopsided 86-107 loss in Game 3.
Coach Reyes hopes his crew can reprise their standout efforts, anticipating a fierce response from Rain or Shine led by coach Yeng Guiao.
“For sure. They are playing with a lot of urgency, credit to coach Yeng. They’re making great adjustments and he’s getting his guys to play really hard. So we just have to match that. In fact, we have to overcome that,” said Reyes.
“They’re going to come out with their hardest effort yet in this series, in Game 5. So we have to be ready. We have no other choice. We just have to be ready,” emphasized Reyes. (PBA.PH)