Manila, Philippines – Aggressiveness, hustle, and heart leads to good things — that’s one of the things that are essential in basketball.
San Miguel Beermen had its momentum up and running the whole game; most especially late in the final quarter.
SMB had an excellent 86-70 lead to end the third quarter, solely because of TNT’s offensive drought.
With TNT struggling, most of them are frustrated: foul calls in favor of SMB, offense being dry, turnovers, and most of TNT’s rosters’ lack of experience in the finals.
Despite the instances, a TNT guard shone and gave them a chance: Almond Vosostros — who TNT utilized to make a spark. And he did.
With his terrific shooting, the double-digit lead of SMB suddenly turned into a seven-point lead — 82-29 in the final quarter, and managed to have some momentum and made SMB struggle offensively.
However, Jun Mar Fajardo showed no mercy of his dominance and made sure no one can stop him; he is one of the Beermen who pulled through TNT’s comeback.
In his usual self, he attacked the paint despite getting clobbered inside and scored 33 points with 11 rebounds.
Ka-Tropa couldn’t handle him as they are experiencing a Poy Erram-less game — with Erram out in the game due to his injury in game 2.
TNT was getting hammered in the paint by Abai — eventually turned the tables in SMB’s favor, as they made ridiculous turnovers and struggled making shots down the stretch.
Kasama niya dito sa tagumpay ay sina Chris Ross, CJ Perez, Jericho Cruz, at Don Trollano na nagtala ng 15, 12, 13, 10 points.
Players like Chriss Ross (15), Jericho Cruz (13), CJ Perez (12), and Don Trollano (10) did their roles as well to pull off the victory.
SMB wins at the score of 108-88.
They are now 2-1 in the Finals series, and will meet again tomorrow for game 4 on July 20, at Mall of Asia Arena. –Kyle Basa, Contributor