TNT import Bol Bol in action against San Miguel in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup, March 28, 2026 at the Araneta Coliseum. PBA Media
MANILA (UPDATED) – The TNT Tropang 5G banked on their hot-shooting to dismantle the San Miguel Beermen, 118-92, at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
The reigning PBA Commissioner’s Cup champions caught fire in the first quarter, shooting 5-of-9 from downtown, to build a 19-point lead, 35-19.
TNT also leaned on import former NBA player Bol Bol in their rout of San Miguel, making his presence felt on both ends with 34 points and 18 rebounds.
The Tropang 5G dominated the Beermen in a rematch of the Philippine Cup finals, not giving their opponents a chance to come close.
San Miguel cut the lead to 17 in the third frame, but were unable to sustain the momentum down the stretch.
Bol got some help from his teammates Calvin Oftana who had 18 points on 5-of-9 shooting and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser who pitched in 13 points, four rebounds and two steals.
"I'm not worried about my game individually. As long as we keep on stacking wins 'cause that's what’s most important," Bol said when he faced the media for the first time during the post-game press conference.
The former NBA player likewise said he is getting used to the physicality of the PBA.
Justin Chua likewise provided scoring from the bench with 11 markers.
Despite the 26-point win, TNT head coach Chot Reyes highlighted San Miguel was missing Chris Ross, Jericho Cruz and Jeron Teng.
"It was just basically because the other team wasn't complete. They're missing a lot of players. And then now, kami naman ang kumpleto. Well, relatively, we still don't have Poy [Erram] and Kelly [Williams], but at least now we have Jayson [Castro] and Roger [Pogoy]," Reyes said.
"So the tables kind of turned this time. So we were happy with the win," he added.
The TNT head coach is optimistic the team, including Bol, will continue to improve as they play more games together.
"So I think we're still in a period of adjustment, but it's getting a lot better now. Because just because we're getting a lot more practices and games under our belt," Reyes said.
San Miguel import Marcus Lee tried to lift the Beermen out of the huge deficit, scoring 30 points and 14 rebounds.
June Mar Fajardo did not have the best shooting night, but still put up a double double of 15 markers and 20 boards, while guarding Bol in the paint.
CJ Perez and Don Trollano tried to keep the Beermen alive with 12 points each.
TNT improves to a 2-1 record, while San Miguel slips to a 1-2 slate in the mid-season conference.
The Beermen will return to action on Tuesday against the Macau Black Knights at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
As for the Tropang 5G, they will get some rest before facing the Meralco Bolts on April 7 in the same venue.
RELATED VIDEO: