The San Miguel Beermen shook off a controversial Game 1 and corrected their course in Game 2 of the PBA finals, 98-92, tying the TNT Tropang 5G in the series 1-1 on Wednesday, July 16, at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen, who had two days of break to recalibrate after their opening game loss highlighted by a basketball interference call, got on board in the championship round, pulling the Tropang 5G into a back-to-scratch situation.
The Leo Austria-coached squad leaned on the hot shooting of Don Trollano, who powered San Miguel’s fourth-quarter rally after squandering a 51-39 halftime lead, with the TNT side tying at 77-apiece early in the last chapter.
Trollano had a personal nine-point run late, helping San Miguel establish a 94-84 separation — a lead that became too much to handle for Chot Reyes’ wards.
He totalled 22 points on 10-of-16 shooting and added six rebounds, earning Best Player of the Game honors.
“Nung nangyari ‘yun, actually, syempre galit kami, eh. I think we’re about to win,” Trollano expressed, referring to the tense ending to Game 1. “Actually, hindi rin ako nakatulog, eh. I’m so eager to bounce back.”
June Mar Fajardo, a usual performer for the Beermen, dropped 17 points and nine rebounds. Mo Tautuaa, who was put in the spotlight for his nullified clutch dunk, vented his ire with 16 markers and four boards.
Unsung contributor Jeron Teng breached twin-digit scoring with 10 points, while Jericho Cruz made the plays with seven assists to go with six points.
Former PBA MVP Kelly Williams tried to inject life into the Tropang 5G crew in the final chapter, but needed the support from his younger teammates, who were unfortunately misfiring, even missing easy baskets.
The big man finished with 11 points and eight rebounds, while it was Calvin Oftana who led the team in scoring with 23 points to go with seven rebounds.
Both teams are targeting a 2-1 lead on Friday, July 18, at the same Cubao venue.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. (ABS-CBN News)
SAN MIGUEL 98 — Trollano 22, Fajardo 17, Tautuaa 16, Teng 10, Perez 8, Ross 7, Cruz 6, Brondial 6, Tiongson 4, Lassiter 2.
TNT 92 — Oftana 23, Heading 15, Williams 11, Ganuelas-Rosser 10, Enciso 7, Erram 6, Pogoy 6, Khobuntin 6, Aurin 4, Heruela 4, Galinato 0, Varilla 0, Nieto 0.
Quarterscores: 23-19, 51-39, 75-74, 98-92.