ANTIPOLO, Philippines — Tirrell Brown delivered a spectacular all-around performance as Titan Ultra finally celebrated its first victory in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup, defeating the TNT Tropang 5G, 103-87, in Group A action Wednesday night at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City. Behind Tirrell Brown’s dominant scoring and rebounding display, the Giant Risers snapped their three-game losing streak and gained valuable momentum heading into the next stage of the conference.
After opening the tournament with three consecutive defeats, Titan Ultra entered the matchup desperate to turn its campaign around. Tirrell Brown answered the call, finishing with 29 points and 10 rebounds while leading a disciplined defensive effort that frustrated a shorthanded TNT squad throughout the contest. The victory improved Titan Ultra to 1-3, while the Tropang 5G slipped to 1-1 after suffering their first loss of the conference.
Tirrell Brown Sets the Tone Early
Although TNT controlled much of the opening quarter, Tirrell Brown remained composed and steadily kept Titan Ultra within striking distance. The athletic import attacked the basket with authority, converted second-chance opportunities, and energized his teammates with relentless hustle plays.
TNT held a 31-27 advantage after the first period, but Tirrell Brown refused to let the Giant Risers fall further behind. His aggressiveness on both ends became the spark that completely changed the flow of the game in the second quarter.
Titan Ultra Dominates the Second Quarter
With Tirrell Brown leading the way, Titan Ultra exploded offensively during the second period. The Giant Risers outscored TNT 31-17, turning a four-point deficit into a comfortable 58-48 halftime lead.
While Brown continued to attack inside, Titan Ultra also received valuable contributions from Jerrick Balanza, Joshua Munzon, and Bryan Sajonia, who consistently knocked down timely baskets to keep the offense flowing.
More importantly, the defensive adjustments made by head coach Rensy Bajar began to pay dividends as Titan Ultra forced difficult shots and controlled the rebounding battle.
Defense Becomes the Difference
Coach Bajar emphasized before the game that Titan Ultra had to improve its defensive effort following the team’s previous loss to NLEX.
His players responded immediately.
Led by Tirrell Brown, Titan Ultra limited TNT’s transition opportunities, dominated the glass, and prevented the Tropang 5G from establishing any offensive rhythm after the opening quarter.
Brown’s ability to secure defensive rebounds quickly turned into fast-break opportunities, allowing Titan Ultra to extend its lead throughout the second half.
By the end of the third quarter, the Giant Risers had built an 80-64 cushion, putting themselves in complete control.
COURTESY: INQUIRER
Balanced Support Behind Tirrell Brown
While Tirrell Brown deservedly stole the spotlight, Titan Ultra’s supporting cast played a major role in the victory.
Jerrick Balanza, Joshua Munzon, and Bryan Sajonia each contributed 13 points, giving the Giant Risers four players in double figures.
Their balanced production prevented TNT from concentrating its defense solely on Tirrell Brown, creating better scoring opportunities across the floor.
The teamwork displayed by Titan Ultra marked one of the club’s most complete performances of the young season.
TNT Struggles with Missing Veterans
The Tropang 5G entered the game without several key contributors, including Calvin Oftana, Jayson Castro, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Kelly Williams, and Poy Erram.
Although Darius Days paced TNT with 21 points, the depleted lineup struggled to keep up with the energy provided by Tirrell Brown and the Giant Risers.
Veteran guard Roger Pogoy scored 10 points, while Kim Aurin added 11, but Titan Ultra’s relentless defense prevented TNT from mounting a serious comeback.
The frustration eventually boiled over when head coach Chot Reyes was ejected in the fourth quarter after receiving his second technical foul.
Tirrell Brown Delivers the Breakthrough Win
The victory was exactly what Titan Ultra needed after its slow start to the Governors’ Cup.
With Tirrell Brown leading the way, the Giant Risers displayed the defensive intensity, rebounding effort, and balanced scoring that had been missing during their first three games.
If Tirrell Brown continues to perform at this level, Titan Ultra could quickly emerge as one of the teams capable of climbing the Group A standings.
Wednesday’s performance served as a reminder of the impact Tirrell Brown can make on both ends of the floor, and it may prove to be the turning point that ignites Titan Ultra’s campaign in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup.
Final Score
Titan Ultra 103
Tirrell Brown 29, Jerrick Balanza 13, Joshua Munzon 13, Bryan Sajonia 13.
TNT Tropang 5G 87
Darius Days 21, Kim Aurin 11, Roger Pogoy 10.
Venue: Ynares Sports Center, Antipolo City.
