TNT Tropang 5G’s Calvin Oftana puts up a shot against the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup. Photo from PBA Images.MANILA — Grand Slam-seeking TNT Tropang 5G is finally in the win column of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.

The Chot Reyes-mentored team posted its breakthrough win in the conference after it flexed its form against the San Miguel Beermen, 85-81, during their Sunday evening clash at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Rizal.

“There’s relief to finally get a W, but it was just a matter of us taking a close look at ourselves,” said Reyes after the contest. “But maybe we were doing it wrong. We realized that we couldn't go back to our old game because this is a different team. I told them let’s play our game with the players in this room.”

”That simple realization worked wonders, and I just told the players: ‘Let’s write our own stories,’” Reyes added.

Calvin Oftana delivered a 23-point, 21-rebound game with six assists, a block, and a steal to lead the Tropang 5G, while RR Pogoy and former Beerman Simon Enciso converted crucial baskets to complete their 14 and 13 markers, respectively.

“Sinabi ni coach na we should show up,” said Oftana, who had the best rebounding game of his PBA career. “Yun yung bagay na wala sa amin. Wala na si Rondae [Hollis-Jefferson], so I should contribute sa rebounding.”

Aside from the trio, Rey Nambatac was solid, putting up 15 points and five assists, veteran Kelly Williams showed out with 12 markers and six boards, and these helped TNT move up to 1-3.

As the Beermen were trailing 81-75 in the payoff period, Juami Tiongson drained a three-pointer to bring his squad to within a possession, 81-78, at the 3:23 mark.

Oftana then went perfect from the charity stripe after being fouled by June Mar Fajardo, but CJ Perez answered with a lay-in at the 1:31 mark to help SMB stay within distance, 83-80.

Unfortunately for the Beermen, a familiar face haunted them as Enciso drained a three-pointer with only 49 ticks left to put Tropang 5G ahead by six, 86-80.

Marcio Lassiter retaliated with a quick lay-up in the middle in their next possession, but Enciso once again did wonders for his new squad as the veteran guard assisted on the triple of Pogoy — one that eventually sealed the victory for TNT.

Lassiter had 14 points for San Miguel Beer, while Perez led them in scoring with 26 markers which was complemented by six boards, five dimes, and three steals.

Fajardo had 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Tiongson scorched hot, scoring all of his 15 from beyond the arc, but these went for naught as they fell to 3-2.

The Scores:

TNT 89 – Oftana 23, Nambatac 15, Pogoy 14, Enciso 13, Williams 12, Khobuntin 8, Erram 4, Heruela 0, Razon 0, Aurin 0.

San Miguel 84 – Perez 26, Fajardo 21, Tiongson 15, Lassiter 14, Cruz 6, Brondial 2, Ross 0, Tautuaa 0, Cahilig 0, Trollano 0, Teng 0, Rosales 0.

Quarterscores: 26-26, 44-39, 71-62, 89-84.