Roger Pogoy, TNT locals answer the call in quarterfinals win

TNT Tropang 5G’s Roger Pogoy during a game vs NLEX Road Warriors in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—TNT’s locals didn’t have the best showing in 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 first time this conference.

“We just needed to step up like this. It can’t all be Bol (Bol),” said Pogoy in Filipino. “All of our games in the elimination looked like he did all the work, so in this one, we all worked together.”

Pogoy finished with 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals as TNT completed 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, in the win.

The TNT locals perfectly complemented Bol Bol, who once again delivered a monster double-double of 35 points and 13 rebounds.

Coach Chot Reyes was among the first to praise Pogoy’s effort.

“We couldn’t start Roger before because we were managing his minutes,” said Reyes. “Aside from Roger’s scoring ability, he’s really our main defender.”

Pogoy and company take on Meralco in a best-of-seven series in the semifinals starting Wednesday at the same venue.