MANILA, Philippines—TNT coach Chot Reyes asked Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser to show up big in Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

That’s exactly what the bruiser did to help the Tropang 5G beat San Miguel Beer, 86-78, and live another day in the best-of-seven series.

READ: PBA Finals: Ganuelas-Rosser owns up to struggle in TNT loss

“Early on, I just let the game come to me, crashing the boards and making sure I was at the right position,” said Ganuelas-Rosser.

“We just wanted to leave it out there, we’re down to the last week, the last couple games and he just asked for 48 hard minutes of all heart and that’s what we did tonight.”

Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser during Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals between TNT Tropang 5G and San Miguel Beermen. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Ganuelas-Rosser’s small efforts snowballed into a huge statement game that kept TNT’s Grand Slam bid alive.

Although they are still down in the best-of-seven series at 3-2, the Tropang 5G showed tremendous fight even without the services of Poy Erram, who was sidelined anew due to an ankle injury.

READ: PBA: Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser shows ‘tougher’ resolve for TNT

Staying away from foul trouble, Ganuelas-Rosser made sure to fill that Erram-shaped void with 18 points, five rebounds, five blocks and three steals.

Reyes, on the other hand, was nothing but grateful for the way Ganuelas-Rosser and company showed up despite the circumstances brought about by the series and the bad weather.

“I saw a lot of fight and unwillingness to give up. Our pregame talk was all about this being a very long season and now we’re down to our final week,” said the coach.

“They were just not willing to give up and we’ve said that all year,” he added.

TNT tries to force a Game 7 when the series resumes Friday at Philsports Arena in Pasig. Ask ChatGPT