Catch the PBA Live TNT vs Meralco Action: Key Plays and Highlights

The energy in the arena was absolutely electric last night, and honestly, I’ve rarely seen such a charged atmosphere for a regular season game. When TNT Tropang Giga squared off against Meralco Bolts, it wasn’t just another match in the PBA schedule—it felt like a playoff preview. I’ve been covering the league for over a decade, and what struck me most wasn’t just the on-court action, but the palpable sense of community and support radiating from the stands. The visiting team, Meralco, brought more than just their A-game; they brought an entire delegation of supporters from Abra, led by Congressman JB Bernos and Congresswoman Ching Bernos, who made the incredible seven-hour journey to stand by their squad. That kind of dedication? It’s rare, and it absolutely set the tone for the evening.

From the opening tip-off, you could tell both teams came prepared, but TNT seemed to have a slight edge in the first quarter, moving the ball with a fluidity that’s become their trademark under coach Chot Reyes. They executed a 12-4 run in the first six minutes, largely fueled by RR Pogoy’s sharpshooting—he hit three three-pointers in that stretch alone. I’ve always admired Pogoy’s ability to create space, and last night was no exception; his off-ball movement was simply masterful. On the other side, Meralco’s Chris Newsome was doing everything in his power to keep the Bolts in the game, driving to the basket with that signature aggression I’ve come to expect from him. But what really stood out to me was how the Bernos couple’s presence seemed to ignite the Meralco bench. I’ve seen many politicians show up for games, but rarely do they travel such a distance and engage so passionately—cheering from the sidelines, rallying the players during timeouts. It reminded me of how sports can bridge gaps, turning a game into a communal event.

As the game progressed into the second quarter, the momentum shifted dramatically. Meralco tightened their defense, forcing TNT into several turnovers—I counted at least five in that quarter alone—and capitalized with fast breaks. Allein Maliksi, who’s had an up-and-down season, exploded for 15 points in the second period, showcasing why he’s one of the most underrated scorers in the league. Personally, I think his mid-range game is among the best, and last night he was practically unstoppable. Meanwhile, TNT’s Jayson Castro, the veteran point guard, tried to steady the ship with his playmaking, dishing out 8 assists by halftime. But even he seemed rattled by Meralco’s relentless pressure. The score at the half was 52-48 in favor of Meralco, and you could feel the tension building. It’s moments like these that make live PBA action so unpredictable and thrilling.

The third quarter was where the game truly turned into a classic. Both teams traded baskets in a back-and-forth affair that had the crowd on its feet. I particularly enjoyed watching the battle in the paint between TNT’s Kelly Williams and Meralco’s Raymond Almazan. Williams, at 41 years old, defied age with his energy, grabbing 12 rebounds and blocking two shots. Almazan, on the other hand, used his height advantage to score 18 points and pull down 10 boards. The intensity was through the roof, and I noticed Congressman Bernos standing and applauding every defensive stop—it’s that kind of genuine support that can lift a team. TNT managed to claw back, tying the game at 75-75 with about three minutes left in the quarter, thanks to a clutch three from Mikey Williams. But Meralco responded immediately with a 7-0 run, highlighting their resilience. In my view, that sequence was the turning point; it showed Meralco’s mental toughness, something they’ve been building all season.

Heading into the final quarter, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. TNT, known for their fourth-quarter comebacks, pushed the pace and cut the lead to just two points with under five minutes to go. But Meralco’s bench depth came into play—players like Aaron Black and Cliff Hodge made crucial contributions, with Black hitting a timely three-pointer that extended the lead to five. I’ve always been a fan of how Meralco coach Norman Black manages his rotations; he seems to have a knack for putting the right players in at the right time. On the other side, TNT’s reliance on their stars sometimes leaves them vulnerable when fatigue sets in, and last night, that was evident as they missed a few key free throws down the stretch. With about a minute left, Meralco held a 98-95 lead, and a defensive stop sealed the game. The final score: 101-95 in favor of Meralco. It was a hard-fought victory, and seeing the Bernos family celebrate with the team afterward was a heartwarming sight—a testament to how sports can unite people across distances.

Reflecting on the game, I’d say Meralco’s win was as much about their on-court execution as it was about the off-court support. The Bernos couple’s journey from Abra symbolizes the deep connections between communities and their teams, something that’s often overlooked in professional sports. From a tactical perspective, Meralco’s ability to control the paint and capitalize on turnovers—they scored 22 points off TNT’s 15 turnovers—was decisive. TNT, while impressive in stretches, need to address their consistency issues if they want to contend for the championship. As for the highlights, Pogoy’s 28 points and Newsome’s all-around performance of 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists will surely make the replay worth watching. In the end, games like this remind me why I love covering the PBA—the passion, the drama, and the human stories behind every play make it more than just a game. If you missed the live action, I highly recommend catching the highlights; it’s a showcase of heart and hustle that defines Philippine basketball at its best.