Kim Aurin comes alive in OT, tows TNT past San Miguel

TNT Tropang 5G’s Kim Aurin during a game vs San Miguel Beermen in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–TNT had a host of heroes, but none bigger than Kim Aurin in the Tropang 5G’s 93-89 overtime win over San Miguel Beer in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup at Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

Without Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, Jordan Heading and Jayson Castro, Aurin rallied his fellow reserves as TNT improved to 3-2 in Group A.

“All elite physical performances start in the mind first and that’s what helped Kim towards the endgame. We didn’t have a lot of our guys, so we told them, let’s bring it on defense,” TNT coach Chot Reyes said.

“I made it a point to reframe the OT to a positive. Who would’ve thought? Don’t lose hope, who would’ve imagined we’d bring San Miguel to OT without our top three scorers?”

The Beermen held a slim 85-83 lead with 1:02 remaining in overtime before Aurin took matters into his own hands and sank a 3-pointer from the top of the key to put TNT ahead, 86-85.

TNT Tropang 5G during a game vs San Miguel Beermen in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

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George King answered with a quick basket on the other end, but Aurin continued his onslaught with another 3-pointer from the right corner while drawing a foul. Although he missed the free throw, Aurin grabbed the offensive rebound and found Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson for the insurance basket that gave TNT a 91-87 lead with less than 10 seconds remaining.

Aurin finished with 22 points and eight rebounds, built on six 3-pointers.

Rey Nambatac scored 21 points with nine rebounds while Hollis-Jefferson recorded a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds. The returning Poy Erram also chipped in 12 points in the win.

King also had a double-double with 35 points and 16 rebounds for San Miguel. June Mar Fajardo added 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Marcio Lassiter and Don Trollano contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively.