GRAND SLAM BID STAYS ALIVE

Back in Grand Slam business. Gritty and mentally tough in an absolute win-or-bust Game 5, TNT produced an 86-78 lifesaving victory over San Miguel Beer last night, stopping the splashing of white confetti on the Smart Araneta Coliseum's court and foamy beer on the SMB dugout in celebration of a championship.

- By OLMIN LEYBA

With the TNT faithful led by PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan himself cheering them on, the Tropang 5G outworked the Beermen every step of the way to pull one back in the PBA Philippine Cup finals at 2-3 and in effect, re-energize their Triple Crown bid.

The Governors' Cup and Commissioner's Cup kingpins now have the opportunity to tie up the race-to-four on Friday and force SMB to a Game 7 sudden death.

"I saw a lot of fight (from the players) and just an unwillingness to give up," said Reyes, whose charges remained in upbeat mood despite falling to 1-3.