Published May 22, 2026 9:58pm Updated May 22, 2026 10:52pm + Add GMA on Google Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google. Meralco defeated TNT, 87-76, to even their PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series at 1-1 on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.TNT played without import Bol Bol after he exited late in the first quarter with a suspected partial tear of the Achilles tendon in his left foot.Despite taking a 22-15 lead at the end of the first quarter, the Tropang 5G struggled after Bol’s exit as Meralco gradually took control. The Bolts cut the deficit to 40-35 by halftime before pulling away in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter where they outscored TNT, 30-19, to secure the win.“This team is tough. They’ve been to the Finals the last two conferences so we know what TNT is about,” Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo said.“We just felt in that first game that they kind of picked us apart. They were deliberate in what they did, they had their points of attack, and you felt like it was a playoff game the way they were playing on both ends of the court.“We knew how important this is… We had a bit of luck this time.”Chris Newsome led Meralco with 25 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while import Marvin Jones posted 16 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists. Javee Mocon also scored 16 points, while Cliff Hodge recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds to go along with two assists and a steal.RR Pogoy paced TNT with 27 points, while Calvin Oftana added 22 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Before leaving the game, Bol finished with 10 points and six rebounds. Jayson Castro was also out of the game due to a twisted knee from last Wednesday's match, while Henry Galinato had high fever and was advised to stay at home.Scores:Meralco 87 – Newsome 24, Jones 16, Mocon 16, Hodge 12, Quinto 6, Cansino 5, Black 3, Brickman 3, Rios 2, Banchero 0, Bates 0.TNT 76 –Pogoy 27, Oftana 22, Bol 10, Heading 6, Nambatac 4, Quitevis 2, Khobuntin 2, Chua 2, Ferrer 1, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Williams 0, Enciso 0, Nieto 0.Quarters: 15-22, 35-40, 57-57, 87-76.—JKC, GMA News