TNT KaTropa vs Ginebra Game 1: Key Highlights and Final Score Analysis

Walking into the arena for Game 1 of this heated PBA semifinals series between TNT KaTropa and Barangay Ginebra, I could feel the electricity in the air. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, these matchups never fail to deliver drama, and tonight was no exception. The crowd was split right down the middle—half roaring for Ginebra’s “Never Say Die” spirit, the other half rallying behind TNT’s explosive, run-and-gun style. From my seat near the court, I noticed Von Pessumal during warm-ups, looking more focused and engaged than I’ve seen him in years. It’s funny how a change of scenery can reignite a player’s career. In his previous teams, Pessumal often found himself anchored to the bench, waiting for scraps of playing time. But here with TNT, there’s a different vibe around him—a sense of purpose, almost like he’s been handed the keys to a part of the offense. And honestly? It showed on the court.

The game tipped off with both teams trading baskets early, but it was TNT that seized control midway through the first quarter. Roger Pogoy came out firing, knocking down two quick triples, while Jayson Castro orchestrated the offense with his usual veteran savvy. Ginebra, to their credit, didn’t back down. Japeth Aguilar was a force in the paint, and Stanley Pringle’s outside shooting kept them within striking distance. But what really caught my eye was Pessumal’s involvement. He wasn’t just standing in the corner waiting for a kick-out pass; he was moving without the ball, setting screens, and even handling the rock in a few half-court sets. I remember thinking, “This is the version of Pessumal we’ve been waiting to see.” In the second quarter, he drained a contested three-pointer from the wing, and the confidence on his face said it all. He finished the first half with 9 points on 3-of-5 shooting, including 2 threes. Compare that to his averages in past seasons—where he’d be lucky to get 15 minutes of run—and you see why this new role is such a game-changer for him and for TNT.

By halftime, TNT held a slim lead, 48-45, but anyone who’s watched Ginebra knows they’re never out of it. The third quarter was a defensive grind, with both teams trading stops and turnovers. TNT’s defense, led by Troy Rosario’s active hands, forced Ginebra into several rushed shots. But just when it looked like TNT might pull away, LA Tenorio hit back-to-back threes to tie the game at 65 apiece. That’s when the momentum shifted, and the crowd erupted. I’ve always admired Tenorio’s clutch gene—he’s one of those players who thrives under pressure, and he proved it again tonight. On the other side, though, TNT didn’t panic. They stuck to their game plan, moving the ball and looking for open shooters. And guess who stepped up? Pessumal. He didn’t just score; he made smart reads, including a beautiful assist to a cutting Ray Parks Jr. that led to an and-one opportunity. It’s clear that his expanded role isn’t just about scoring—it’s about making plays, and he’s embracing it.

As the fourth quarter unfolded, the intensity reached another level. Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee, as always, was a problem for TNT’s defense. He scored 8 straight points at one point, giving Ginebra a 4-point lead with under 5 minutes to go. But TNT responded with a 10-2 run, fueled by Castro’s leadership and some timely buckets from Pessumal. With 1:30 left on the clock, Pessumal hit a crucial corner three off a drive-and-kick from Castro, putting TNT up by 5. That shot felt like a statement—not just for the game, but for his career. In past seasons, he might not have even been on the floor in crunch time. Here, he was making winning plays. Ginebra had a chance to tie in the final seconds, but a contested three from Pringle rimmed out, and TNT secured the rebound. Final score: TNT KaTropa 98, Barangay Ginebra 94.

Looking back, this game was a testament to TNT’s depth and their ability to utilize players like Pessumal in meaningful roles. He finished with 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in 28 minutes of action—numbers that, frankly, he rarely approached in his previous stops. From my perspective, his performance was one of the key factors in TNT’s victory. Sure, the stars like Castro and Pogoy delivered, but it’s the emergence of secondary contributors that often decides these playoff series. Ginebra fought hard, with Brownlee pouring in 28 points and Aguilar adding 17, but they seemed to miss that extra spark off the bench. For TNT, this win sets the tone for the series, and if Pessumal continues to play with this level of confidence, they’ll be tough to beat. Personally, I’m excited to see how this unfolds. Game 2 can’t come soon enough.