Manila, Philippines – After its controversial first game in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals, The San Miguel Beermen claimed its first victory of the series as they beat TNT Tropang 5G last night, July 16.
San Miguel made sure the victory will be theirs; considering they almost won the game 1, yet their final bucket was called for an offensive interference by Mo Tautuaa.
SMB focused on their offense by utilizing Jun Mar Fajardo and Mo Tautuaa in the paint.
With Poy Erram getting injured, who is one of the TNT players who can tame the both of them, Fajardo and Tautuaa both showed dominance and punished Ka-Tropa with their points.
Don Trollano had a shooter’s touch, managing to score 22 points with 62% field goal. He was efficient in scoring, and made sure the opposing team’s plays against him wouldn’t contain him.
Along with the team’s victory is SMB veteran Chris Ross’ defensive brilliance, wherein he reads the opponent’s plays and forces them turnovers by steals.
He was a pest on the defensive end — contributed four steals with seven points in the game.
The game was full of excitement, as both teams got buckets against each other in the final quarter.
Trollano knew this was his moment; having 12 points in the fourth period.
TNT suddenly collapsed when Calvin Oftana couldn’t hit a single shot, and the team struggled while SMB pulled through.
Jun Mar Fajardo (17), Mo Tautuaa (16), and Jeron Teng (10) helped the team as well, with Trollano’s Best Player of the Game performance.
Oftana’s 23 points and Jordan Heading’s 15 points is not enough to get the dub, and will look forward to its third game.
Both teams are now 1-1, ahead to its upcoming Game 3. PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 3 will be held at Smart Araneta Coliseum, July 18. —Kyle Basa, Contributor