Not even June Mar Fajardo’s rare off-night could stop San Miguel from downing Ginebra anew after owning Game 3 by way of a 91-85 decision in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals, Friday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Slowed down by shoulder pain, the nine-time MVP only had six points on nine attempts, but the others were more than willing to step up, most specifically Don Trollano, as he has seemingly figured things out in the best-of-7 series.
The seasoned wing fired 33 points on 52.4-percent shooting, 15 of which he fired in the third quarter alone as he spearheaded the blazing 16-0 run toward a 65-50 lead, which completely turned the game around in their favor.
(C) PBA Images
He would also be crucial in silencing the Kings late, completing a three-point play to push their lead to 90-83 with 2:42 remaining as the reigning champions went on to win their second straight, toward erecting a 2-1 lead.
Trollano went 3-for-6 from deep in his best showing in a Beermen uniform, and also collected six rebounds, three assists, and two steals, continuing his upward trajectory after being held to just five points back in the series opener.
“Before the series, talagang ine-expect ko siyang maglaro nang maayos, at makatulong nang malaki,” said head coach Leo Austria of Trollano.
Aside from Trollano, SMB received contributions from CJ Perez and Mo Tautuaa as the tandem finished with 19 and 13 points, respectively.
“But ang big factor today is not only him because he scored 33 points, but the bench. They scored 56 points, 21 more than the starters,” lauded Austria, whose charges also finished with 25 assists. “Everybody’s supporting each other.”
Thanks to the trio, Fajardo’s limited production got covered so well, although the Cebuano star was still of help by collecting 19 rebounds and four assists.
“Even though June Mar is not 100 percent because of his shoulder, credit to him. Kahit sometimes nasasaktan na siya, hindi siya nagko-complain. And he still wants to play,” the four-time Coach of the Year praised.
(C) PBA Images
Scottie Thompson led the Barangay with 19 points and seven assists, with RJ Abarrientos and Japeth Aguilar adding 14 apiece in the defeat.
Abarrientos and Thompson tried to will themselves back into the game by joining hands for an 8-0 run to cut the gap to 87-83 with 3:05 to go but that proved to be the closest they could get as Trollano shut the door.
The Scores:
San Miguel 91 – Trollano 33, Perez 19, Tautuaa 13, Lassiter 8, Fajardo 6, Tiongson 4, Teng 3, Cruz 2, Ross 2, Cahilig 1, Brondial 0
Ginebra 85 – Thompson 17, J.Aguilar 14, Abarrientos 14, Pinto 8, Gray 7, Rosario 7, Holt 6, David 4, Torres 3, Cu 2, Estil 1.
Quarterscores: 26-21, 47-41, 74-63, 91-85.
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