Nambatac Lifts TNT Over Meralco 100-98 in OT Thriller
Rey Nambatac delivered when it mattered most, draining a cold-blooded jumper with 0.9 seconds left in overtime to lift the TNT Tropang 5G to a thrilling 100–98 comeback victory over the Meralco Bolts in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Nambatac’s clutch basket capped an incredible comeback for TNT, which overcame a 23-point deficit to claim its fourth win in five games and forge a tie with NLEX Road Warriors at the top of the standings at 4–1.
The Tropang 5G were on the brink of defeat when Chris Newsome nailed a gutsy triple to force overtime at 90-all, after Nambatac missed a potential dagger four-pointer in regulation. But the TNT guard redeemed himself in the extra period, sinking the game-winning fadeaway over Chris Banchero to seal the dramatic win.
Meralco still had a final chance to steal it, but Cliff Hodge’s turnaround jumper at the buzzer bounced off, allowing TNT to complete one of the biggest comebacks of the season.
Nambatac finished with 22 points, including three four-pointers, alongside four rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block, to earn Best Player of the Game honors.
Calvin Oftana also shone with 24 points, five rebounds, four steals, and one assist, while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and RR Pogoy each added 14 points. Jio Jalalon rounded out TNT’s balanced attack with 10 points, three assists, and three steals.
The victory also marked a strong showing for Coach Chot Reyes’ squad, which clawed back into contention with a massive run spanning the third and fourth quarters to erase Meralco’s once dominant lead.
(Video from the YouTube Channel of One Sports)
On the other end, it was a heartbreaking collapse for the Bolts, who were up big in the first half and had a chance to head into their East Asia Super League (EASL) campaign on a high note.
Chris Newsome paced Meralco with 24 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while Cliff Hodge tallied 21 points and 10 rebounds. Aaron Black added 14 markers and seven boards, but their efforts weren’t enough to prevent Meralco’s second straight loss, dropping them to 3–4.
TNT will aim to keep its momentum going when it battles the Terrafirma Dyip on Friday, November 7, while Meralco will look to regroup after in EASL before facing the same Terrafirma squad on Wednesday, December 10.
The Scores:
TNT 100 – Oftana 24, Nambatac 22, Ganuelas-Rosser 14, Pogoy 14, Jalalon 10, Galinato 8, Khobuntin 4, Ferrer 4, Williams 0, Nieto 0, Aurin 0, Enciso 0
Meralco 98 – Newsome 24, Hodge 21, Black 14, Banchero 12, Cansino 8, Quinto 6, Maliksi 5, Almazan 4, Bates 2, Comia 2, Pascual 0
Quarter Scores: 13-21, 28-48, 64-74, 90-90, 100-98
