SMB dismantles TNT to even PH Cup semis series at 2-all

The San Miguel Beermen took care of business in a rout of the TNT Tropang Giga, 116-90, to even their best-of-seven semifinals series in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday in Pampanga.

The Beermen were hot from the start after finishing with 26 points against TNT's 14 points at the end of the first period.

San Miguel also took advantage of a TNT squad that played without the services of their usual big men, with Poy Erram being brought to the hospital after a collision with Mo Tautuaa in the second quarter.

Early foul trouble also hit Troy Rosario who had four fouls before the first half ended. SMB had the lead, 57-32 after 24 minutes of action.

It was all SMB until the final buzzer, with the Beermen leading by as much as 37, 81-44, at the 4:30 mark of the third period.

Mo Tautuaa led the Beermen with 25 points and nine rebounds, while June Mar Fajardo registered 13 markers and 12 boards. Five more Beermen scored in twin digits, with Terrence Romeo having 16, Marcio Lassiter with 13, Alex Cabagnot with 12, Arwind Santos with 11, and CJ Perez with 10. 

Jayson Castro led the Tropang Giga with 15 points while Glenn Khobuntin added 13. Despite being limited to just three points, Dave Marcelo registered 14 boards in the losing affair.

With the win, their semis series is tied at 2-all. The two teams will return to action on Wednesday.

The scores:

SMB  116 – Tautuaa 25, Romeo 16, Fajardo 13, Lassiter 13, Cabagnot 12, Santos 11, Perez 10, Ross 7, Pessumal 4, Zamar 3, Gamalinda 2, Gotladera 0.

TNT 90 – Castro 15, Khobuntin 13, M. Williams 11, Rosario 10, Exciminiano 8, Mendoza 6, Heruela 5, Montalbo 4, Alejandro 4, Javier 4, Erram 3, Marcelo 3, Reyes 2, Pogoy 2.

Quarterscores: 26-14, 57-32, 91-61, 116-90.

—JMB, GMA News