PBA: Brondial shines as San Miguel downs TNT, moves a win away from Philippine Cup title

Rodney Brondial delivered a strong all-around performance as San Miguel Beer took down TNT, 96-82, in Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, putting the Beermen one win away from the title.

Brondial posted a double-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds to lead San Miguel, which took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

TNT raced to a 23-7 start before San Miguel clawed back, trimming the deficit to 48-47 by halftime despite the early hole.

The Beermen seized control in the third quarter, opening the second half with a 9-0 run and outscoring the Tropang 5G, 30-13, in the period to build a commanding 77-61 lead.

San Miguel then held off TNT down the stretch to seal the victory.

“Hustle and hard work, talagang nandoon dahil last time, nakita na flat kami. They thought na madaling talunin,” San Miguel head coach Leo Austria said, underscoring the team’s renewed effort after dropping Game 4.

June Mar Fajardo, who briefly exited with an injury scare in the second half, still finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Don Trollano added 14 points, Kris Rosales had 12, while Mo Tautuaa and Marcio Lassiter chipped in 11 apiece. CJ Perez rounded out the scoring with 10 points.

Calvin Oftana led TNT with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Jordan Heading and Henry Galinato Jr. scored 13 and 11 points, respectively. Rey Nambatac contributed 10 points.

Scores:

San Miguel 96 – Brondial 17, Fajardo 14, Trollan o 14, Rosales 12, Tautuaa 11, Lassiter 11, Perez 10, Cruz 5, Ross 2, Cahilig 0.

TNT 82 – Oftana 20, Heading 13, Galinato 11, Nambatac 10, Williams 9, Erram 5, Ganuelas-Rosser 3, Jalalon 3, Enciso 3, Khobuntin 3, Ferrer 2, Aurin 0, Hill 0.

Quarters: 19-29, 47-48, 77-61, 96-82.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News