TNT Tropang 5G refused to let the PBA Philippine Cup Finals slip away.

With their backs against the wall in Game 4, TNT turned in their most complete performance of the series, dismantling San Miguel Beer, 110-87, on Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena to level the championship showdown at two games apiece.

From the opening possession, it was clear TNT arrived with a different edge. There was no feeling-out process, no hesitation. The Tropang 5G played with urgency and confidence, moving the ball freely on offense while making life difficult for San Miguel on the other end. The early energy quickly translated to points, and before the Beermen could settle in, they were already playing catch-up.

TNT’s offense flowed effortlessly. Open looks came off crisp passes, while quick decisions prevented San Miguel’s defense from setting up. The Beermen attempted to slow the pace, but TNT dictated the tempo, repeatedly beating them down the floor and capitalizing on defensive breakdowns. By halftime, the Tropang 5G had built a sizable lead one that reflected not just hot shooting, but superior execution.

Calvin Oftana was the tone-setter. After relatively quiet outings earlier in the Finals, the versatile forward delivered when it mattered most, pouring in a game-high 29 points. He attacked the defense with confidence, knocked down shots from deep, and made timely plays that kept the momentum firmly on TNT’s side. Oftana’s performance gave TNT the offensive anchor they needed — and the spark they had been searching for.

Rather than relying on one-man heroics, TNT thrived on balance. Jordan Heading orchestrated the offense with poise, scoring when needed while consistently putting teammates in good positions. Rey Nambatac provided steady contributions, and the rest of the rotation did its part by defending, rebounding, and keeping the pressure on whenever San Miguel showed signs of life.

The numbers underscored TNT’s dominance. They shot efficiently from the field, punished San Miguel from long range, and took care of the ball far better than in previous games. Every time the Beermen threatened to make a run, TNT responded with a basket, a stop, or both — never allowing the game to swing back within reach.

For San Miguel, the night was a frustrating one. Earlier, June Mar Fajardo was recognized for yet another individual achievement, but the celebration did little to inspire a turnaround once the game began. Fajardo still delivered a double-double, but TNT’s defense made sure his touches were contested and his impact limited. Without sustained scoring from their supporting cast, the Beermen struggled to generate momentum.

San Miguel’s offense lacked its usual rhythm. Shots that normally fall came up short, and turnovers led to easy points the other way. Attempts to adjust defensively did little to slow TNT’s shooting, and the frustration became evident as the lead continued to grow. By the third quarter, the gap had widened to the point where the Beermen were forced to play uphill basketball for the remainder of the night.

Despite the comfortable margin, TNT stayed locked in. Head coach Chot Reyes kept his team focused, emphasizing discipline and composure mindful that San Miguel is a team capable of erasing deficits in a hurry. TNT responded by continuing to defend, share the ball, and play with purpose until the final buzzer.

The win did more than even the series. It sent a message.

After a narrow loss in Game 3, questions lingered about TNT’s ability to respond against a seasoned, championship-tested opponent. Game 4 provided a resounding answer. TNT showed they could control the pace, execute under pressure, and deliver a statement performance when the stakes were highest.

Now tied at 2-2, the Finals effectively reset into a best-of-three series. Momentum has swung, but nothing is settled. San Miguel’s pedigree ensures a response is coming, while TNT will look to build on the confidence gained from their most convincing victory of the series.

If Game 4 was any indication, the PBA Philippine Cup Finals are far from predictable. With both teams trading blows and momentum shifting by the game, the battle for the championship is shaping up to be a tense, hard-fought finish exactly what fans expect at this stage of the season.