PBA: San Miguel downs TNT to even Philippine Cup finals series, 1-1

San Miguel defeated TNT, 111-92, in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The series is now tied at 1-1.

The Beermen relied on a strong start, limiting the Tropang 5G to just 33 points in the first half while pouring in 57 of their own, 30 of which came in the opening quarter.

TNT tried to mount a comeback in the second half, cutting the deficit to 10, 97-87, with less than three minutes remaining, but the Beermen went on an 11-0 run to pull away anew and seal the victory.

San Miguel head coach Leo Austria cited the team’s defense as the key to the win.

“I think the biggest impact tonight is our defense because we have a lot of energy and focus sa game because in the last game, we [don’t have] that kind of energy and focus,” he said.

“We’re able to match up the energy of our opponent, [ang] talent nag-prevail especially si Don [Trollano]. At the same time, lagi naming binabanggit ang bench namin, talagang nag-contribute sila heavily.”

Trollano finished with 22 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while June Mar Fajardo added 17 points, 16 rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

Rey Nambatac, meanwhile, led TNT with 17 points, while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser chipped in 15.

Scores:

San Miguel 111 – Trollano 22, Fajardo 17, Tautuaa 14, Perez 13, Lassiter 12, Cruz 12, Tiongson 9, Brondial 6, Ross 3, Miller 3, Cahilig 0, Calma 0, Mantua 0, Rosales 0.

TNT 92 – Nambatac 17, Ganuelas-Rosser 15, Heading 14, Oftana 11, Ferrer 11, Williams 8, Jalalon 7, Galinato 5, Khobuntin 2, Hill 2, Erram 0, Enciso 0, Aurin 0.

Quarters: 30-18, 57-33, 75-61, 111-92.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News