PBA Finals: TNT escapes San Miguel in controversial Game 1 ending

Metro Manila, Philippines - The TNT Tropang 5G overcame a huge fourth quarter rally by the San Miguel Beermen to take a 99-96 Game 1 victory in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup finals on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Tropang 5G, which held a lead as high as 24 points, avoided an embarrassing collapse as the Beermen unleashed a furious run in the payoff frame.

RR Pogoy, who just returned from injury, led the way for TNT with 23 points, two rebounds, and two assists.

Controversy marred the final moments of the match as the go-ahead dunk by Mo Tautuaa in the 56.1 second mark of the fourth period, which gave San Miguel a one-point lead, was ruled an offensive interference by game officials following a review with 6.2 seconds left in the contest.

Calvin Oftana sealed the win for the Tropang 5G after sinking two free throws. He finished with 13 points and nine rebounds.

Jordan Heading added 19 points and six rebounds, while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser had 13 points for TNT.

June Mar Fajardo delivered another monster performance for the Beermen with 26 points and 15 rebounds.

The Tropang 5G will try to inch closer to achieving a historic feat of winning a grand slam or capturing all three conference titles this season.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled on Wednesday, July 16, at the Big Dome.