PBA: TNT goes all Filipino in semis Game 3 vs Meralco

Malik Diouf watches Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals between TNT and Meralco. Diouf was supposed to be a temporary replacement import for the Tropang 5G in Game 3 with Bol Bol out due to an Achilles injury.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–TNT was forced to play with an all-Filipino lineup in Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals after efforts to have recently naturalized Malick Diouf suit up as a temporary replacement for the injured Bol Bol failed to materialize.

Team manager Jojo Lastimosa said prior to Sunday’s tipoff at Mall of Asia Arena that the weekend prevented the Tropang 5G from arranging necessary paperwork for Diouf to see action in the best-of-seven series.

READ: PBA: TNT taps Malick Diouf as import after Bol Bol injury

Despite not getting the go-signal, Malick Diouf still shows up to support TNT for Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against Meralco at Mall of Asia Arena @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/8bfSBPknAC

— Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) May 24, 2026

Diouf was supposed to take the place of Bol, who sustained a partial tear on his Achilles during Friday’s Game 2 loss, while TNT is searching for a permanent replacement.

Lastimosa earlier hinted at the prospect of tapping either ex-NBA player Marquese Chriss or Darius Days, TNT’s standby import for the season-ending Governors’ Cup.

The 6-foot-11 would have made history as the first former UAAP foreign student athlete to suit up as a PBA import. Diouf won a championship and a Most Valuable Player award during his time with University of the Philippines.

READ: PBA: TNT eyes Marquese Chriss or Darius Days to replace Bol Bol

Despite not getting the go-signal, Diouf showed up at Mall of Asia Arena to support the Tropang 5G for the contest being played as of posting time.

The Tropang 5G and Bolts were disputing a 2-1 lead in the semis. TNT took Game 1 with Bol, 94-89, on Wednesday before Meralco responded in Game 2, 87-76.