TNT moves closer to finals with decisive Game 5 win over San Miguel Beer

TNT Tropang Giga is now a win away from booking a finals ticket after a decisive 110-90 victory over the San Miguel Beermen in Game 5 of their best-of-seven semifinal series in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The Tropang Giga, who now hold a 3-2 series advantage, will look to finish off the Beermen when they tackle each other in Game 6 on Friday at 3 p.m.

Seasoned playmaker Jayson Castro showed off his usual form, carving out 19 points, three rebounds, and eight assists while young gunners Mikey Williams and RR Pogoy each finished with 18 markers.

Troy Rosario also came out with 17 points, eight boards, and two dimes.

Two TNT players were already in double-digits at the halftime mark with veteran Castro and Williams pouring 13 and 12 points each to lead their side for a whopping 61-35 lead at the break.

The Beermen could only cut their deficit to 20 at the end of the third, 81-61, despite outscoring TNT 26-20.

TNT had to hold SMB off in the fourth after the latter opened the period with an 8-4 run to slice the gap to 16, 69-85. But TNT sealed the deal behind late-game heroics from veterans Castro and Kelly Williams.

Pogoy and Mikey Williams were also crucial in the final stretch of the game when SMB was threatening a surge.

June Mar Fajardo led the Beermen with 23 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists while CJ Perez chipped in 18 markers.

Scores:

TNT 110 - Castro 19, M. Williams 18, Pogoy 18, Rosario 17, K. Williams 12, Erram 10, Reyes 6, Montalbo 5, Exciminiano 3, Marcelo 2, Khobuntin 0, Heruela 0

San Miguel Beer 90 - Fajardo 23, Perez 18, Santos 14, Romeo 12, Tautuaa 10, Lassiter 5, Ross 3, Pessumal 3, Cabagnot 2, Zamar 0, Gamalinda 0, Sena 0

Quarter scores: 32-17, 61-35, 81-61, 110-90

—MGP, GMA News