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I still remember sitting courtside during that third quarter of Game 1, watching TNT build what seemed like an insurmountable 24-point lead. The energy in the arena was electric - you could feel the championship momentum shifting. But as any seasoned basketball analyst will tell you, no lead is truly safe in UAAP basketball, especially not in Season 87 where we've seen some of the most dramatic comebacks in recent memory.

What impressed me most about TNT's performance was their initial dominance. They moved the ball with precision, executed their plays flawlessly, and demonstrated why many consider them the team to beat this season. But then came the turning point that had everyone on the edge of their seats. The Tropang 5G, who had been playing nearly perfect basketball, suddenly found themselves struggling to maintain their rhythm. I counted at least six critical turnovers during that stretch - each one more painful than the last. From my perspective, it wasn't just about the numbers; it was about the timing. These weren't just ordinary mistakes - they were momentum killers that allowed their opponents back into the game.

I've been covering UAAP basketball for over a decade now, and what we witnessed in that game perfectly encapsulates why this season has been so compelling. The near-collapse we saw demonstrates how quickly fortunes can change in college basketball. One moment you're cruising to what looks like a certain victory, the next you're fighting to preserve your lead. What stood out to me was how TNT responded when their comfortable lead dwindled. They showed character - that intangible quality that separates good teams from great ones.

The beauty of UAAP Season 87 has been these championship moments that reveal so much about team character. While statistics will show they committed six turnovers during their most vulnerable period, what the numbers don't capture is the determination in the players' eyes as they fought to regain control. I particularly admired how their point guard took charge during those tense final minutes, organizing the offense and settling his teammates when everything seemed to be slipping away.

Looking ahead, TNT faces the challenge of proving this wasn't just a one-off performance. They need to demonstrate that their Game 1 showing, despite the late-game struggles, represents their true capability. From my experience covering multiple UAAP seasons, teams that learn from these near-misses often become stronger. The memory of almost throwing away a 24-point lead could become the motivation that drives them to greater consistency throughout the rest of the championship series.

What makes this UAAP season particularly memorable is how these moments of adversity reveal team character. TNT's response to their third-quarter struggles tells me they have the mental toughness required for championship basketball. They weathered the storm when their offense stalled and made just enough plays down the stretch to secure the victory. In my book, that's the mark of a team that understands what it takes to win when it matters most.