The San Miguel Beermen overcame a blazing start by the TNT Katropa to take Game Two, 102-88, and even the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup Finals series to a game apiece, Friday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
“Thank you Lord we were able to tie the series kahit we had a bad start,” said a relieved SMB head coach Leo Austria regarding the 0-17 hole they got into, the best start in PBA playoff history. “The players really wanted to win.”
June Mar Fajardo was at the forefront of San Miguel’s attack, firing 22 markers on 8-of-10 shooting alongside 11 rebounds and two blocks. All-around performer Chris Ross supplied 20 markers, nine assists, five boards, and four steals.
The Beermen found themselves buried 0-17 to start the match, but were finally able to catch up on both ends in the next frame as they limited TNT to just 11 points. The first half wrapped up in SMB’s favor, 53-42.
“I just told them don’t panic,” said Austria, when asked what he advised his wards after their lackluster start. “Let’s just run our game plan.”
As they regained their swagger, Game Two suddenly became a San Miguel show come the second half. They opened the third period with an 18-5 spree ended by Chris Ross’ trey to post a favorable 72-49 lead with 7:43 on the clock.
The men in red then never relinquished the huge advantage as they coasted to the series-tying triumph.
“I hope ma-sustain namin ‘to. This is a game of adjustments. This is like a chess match,” hoped the 2016 Coach of the Year, as SMB now aim to take the lead in the race-to-four clash for the title on Game Three this Sunday.
Arwind Santos produced 16 markers spiked by four triples for SMB. Alex Cabagnot made 13 on 12 shots, while import Charles Rhodes was three points away from a double-double with seven points and 11 boards.
Jayson Castro led the Katropa with 14 points on 14 shots. Anthony Semerad made all four of his treys for 12 points, while Game One hero Joshua Smith had 11 points, six rebounds, and five dimes.
Roger Pogoy, TNT’s leading scorer in Game One with 27 markers, was held scoreless. Making it worse for the rookie was his ejection with 8:36 the third canto, after he was slapped with a flagrant foul penalty two due to a low blow to Santos.
The Beermen shot 43 percent from the field, and clearly reigned supreme in the battle of the boards, 59-42. However, similar to Game One, turnovers were still an issue, as they had 22 that then led to 22 points for TNT.
The Scores:
San Miguel (102) – Fajardo 22, Ross 20, Santos 16, Cabagnot 13, Lassiter 8, Rhodes 7, Espinas 6, Reyes 4, Agovida 2, Semerad 2, Tubid 2, Heruela 0, Van Opstal 0.
TNT (88) – Castro 14, Semerad 12, Rosario 12, Smith 11, Rosales 9, Tautuaa 8, Carey 8, Williams 4, De Ocampo 3, Garcia 3, Hernandez 2, Nuyles 2, Tamsi 0, Golla 0, Pogoy 0.
Quarterscores: 24-32, 52-43, 90-62, 102-88.
