TNT Tropang 5G’s Chris McCullough during a game vs Meralco Bolts in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—After a forgettable performance in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, TNT import Chris McCullough finally found his rhythm on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
McCullough rediscovered his groove to power the Tropang 5G to a 103-95 win over Meralco in Game 5 and a pivotal 3-2 series lead.
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His performance certainly caught the attention of coach Chot Reyes.
“We played the last game with two practices so now he had the benefits of a game and an extra practice. He got acclimatized with his teammates and what he wanted to do,” said Reyes.
TNT’s Chris McCullough and coach Chot Reyes after winning Game 5 over Meralco for the 3-2 series lead. #PBA50 | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/rT72LNzGPF
— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) May 29, 2026
“This is a tough league so I thought we were able to do a good job in pacing him and he had legs in the fourth quarter and that’s all we needed.”
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McCullough, who returned to the PBA after a long layoff, scored 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds in TNT’s 101-90 loss in Game 4.
But he was still trying to find his rhythm, making just seven of his 22 attempts from the field.
Game 5 was a different story. McCullough looked like his old self, erupting for a monster double-double of 42 points and 11 rebounds.
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“We gave Chris good shots and good looks. That helped us tremendously,” said Reyes.
McCullough’s efforts pushed the Tropang 5G just one win closer to a return trip to the PBA Finals. They can close out the series on Sunday in Game 6 at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
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