The San Miguel Beermen’s fourth quarter poise was enough to dispatch arch-rivals TNT Katropa, 97-91, to earn their second straight win in the 2017 PBA Governor’s Cup, Wednesday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
“I really don’t know how did it end tonight,” stressed SMB head coach Leo Austria on the win. “Medyo tentative dahil sa eagerness ng players. My players tried to play the way they played in the [Commissioner’s Cup] Finals.
“But I’m so happy na nanalo kami against Talk N Text,” Austria said, as they were the ones who had eliminated TNT during both the Philippine and Commissioner’s Cups.
June Mar Fajardo starred for San Miguel with 27 points on 61.1 percent shooting alongside six rebounds and five blocks. Import Wendell McKines finished with 22 markers and nine rebounds, while Marcio Lassiter supplier 16 points.
As TNT managed to close within five, 82-77, from a nine-point deficit midway into the final period, SMB stepped on the gas afterwards through an 11-2 run capped by McKines’ lay-up to lead by 14, 93-79, with 3:25 left to play.
The Katropa still made some stops, but the Beermen provided answers. Roger Pogoy nailed a triple with 15 ticks left to inch his team closer, 97-91, but time was not on their side anymore as SMB melted the clock to preserve the win.
Alex Cabagnot produced 15 markers, six caroms, three dimes, and two steals for the Beermen. Backcourt partner Chris Ross also filled the stat sheet with five points — all from free throws, eight rebounds, 10 assists, and a steal.
The now-1-1 TNT, who had even started the game with an 18-8 lead, were anchored by Michael Craig, Jr. with 16 points and 18 rebounds. His numbers, however, were negated by his six turnovers and five personal fouls.
Jayson Castro had added 14 points, while Mo Tautuaa chipped in 10 markers and 11 rebounds.
Despite the loss, the Katropa lorded over their Commissioner’s Cup tormentors in the battle of the boards, 68-44. However, turnovers were their primary issue, committing 26 miscues that were then converted by their rivals to 25 points.
Both teams will play their respective opponents this Friday, August 4, still at the Big Dome. The Katropa will battle Alaska Aces at 4:15 PM, while the Beermen will face sister team Star Hotshots at 7:00 PM.
The Scores:
San Miguel 97 – Fajardo 27, McKines 22, Lassiter 16, Cabagnot 15, Santos 7, Heruela 5, Ross 5, Ganuelas-Rosser 0.
TNT 91 – Craig 16, Castro 14, Tautuaa 10, Pogoy 10, De Ocampo 10, Williams 8, Garcia 8, Semerad 6, Rosario 5, Carey 4, Hernandez 0.
Quarterscores: 17-24; 40-40; 66-65; 97-91.
