TNT Tropang 5G finish as runners up to San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Manny V. Pangilinan said there’s no reason for TNT to be ashamed after falling short of completing the PBA Grand Slam, given the effort it put amid injuries that hounded the team during its Philippine Cup title loss to San Miguel Beer.
“Nakakalungkot, nakakaiyak pero hindi nakakahiya,” Pangilinan told the Tropang 5G as seen on a video posted by the team on its social media accounts following the 107-96 defeat on Friday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
‘HINDI NAKAKAHIYA ANG PERFORMANCE NIYO’
Manny V. Pangilinan tells the TNT Tropang 5G to hold their heads high despite falling short of completing a historic PBA Grand Slam | 🎥: TNT Tropang 5G via @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/fTo99J9hfB
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) July 26, 2025
TNT had extended the series in Game 5 and was hoping to force the championship to a decider when it battled San Miguel to a tight first half.
But the Tropang 5G seemed like they were running on fumes after the break, which the Beermen capitalized on to secure a 4-2 series win and a return to their place as kings of the all-Filipino tournament.
For TNT, its failed run at the Triple Crown came after a Philippine Cup campaign that got off to an alarming 0-3 start and injuries hounding key players.
The Tropang 5G roster became even thinner when Poy Erram and Simon Enciso sustained injuries during the series.
“You have to understand why we lost was because we have too many injured players,” Pangilinan said. “But you also know that you gave it all your best and I thank you for that.”
The defeat ended a streak of three straight title wins of teams under Pangilinan’s ownership, all at the expense of San Miguel Corporation ballclubs.
Before TNT’s two straight triumphs by defeating Barangay Ginebra on both occasions, Meralco ruled the 2024 Philippine Cup after edging out San Miguel in six games.
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