TNT Tropang 5G’s Roger Pogoy during a game vs NLEX Road Warriors within the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—TNT’s locals didn’t have one of the best showing within the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round.
But when it mattered most, they showed up in TNT’s 118-112 quarterfinal win over the top-seeded NLEX on Saturday at Ynares Sports Center.
Leading that charge was Roger Pogoy, who got the starting nod for the primary time this conference.
“We just needed to step up like this. It could’t all be Bol (Bol),” said Pogoy in Filipino. “All of our games within the elimination looked like he did all of the work, so on this one, all of us worked together.”
Pogoy finished with 21 points, six rebounds, 4 assists and two steals as TNT accomplished the upset of NLEX, which was armed with a twice-to-beat-advantage.
Calvin Oftana and Jayson Castro also chipped in 20 and 14 points, respectively, within the win.
The TNT locals perfectly complemented Bol Bol, who once more delivered a monster double-double of 35 points and 13 rebounds.
Coach Chot Reyes was among the many first to praise Pogoy’s effort.
“We couldn’t start Roger before because we were managing his minutes,” said Reyes. “Apart from Roger’s scoring ability, he’s really our important defender.”
Pogoy and company tackle Meralco in a best-of-seven series within the semifinals starting Wednesday at the identical venue.