STYMIED by TNT’s defense in the series-opening match, defending champion San Miguel Beer looks to strike back as the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup final continues on Friday with Game 2 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Game time is 7:30 p.m. as the Beermen aims to avenge their 92-96 loss to the Tropang 5G in Game 1.
June Mar Fajardo put up his usual monster numbers after finishing with 24 points and 17 rebounds, but he will have to prime himself for the physical, defensive blanket TNT has prepared for him.
Of course, San Miguel’s depth is something the Beermen can lean on since aside from CJ Perez as the team’s second scoring option, the Beermen also have Don Trollano, Moala Tautuaa, Jericho Cruz, Juami Tiongson and veteran players Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter.
Despite having an early 1-0 lead, TNT coach Chot Reyes knows there is still a lot of work to be done considering that San Miguel is a dangerous foe to deal with.
“Obviously, we’re happy with the win but we have so much to work on, and we have one day to correct our mistakes,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes, pointing to two late-game turnovers which enabled San Miguel to come to within 91-92 after being down by as many as 19 points in Game 1.
Fortunately, Jordan Heading made all four of his free throws inside the final 20 seconds of the game to seal the victory for TNT.
TNT relatively enjoys a healthier roster, although injured veterans Jayson Castro, who managed to join the Game 1 shoot around, and Roger Pogoy remain doubtful for Game 2.
Still, Reyes can lean on Calvin Oftana, Rey Nambatac, Heading, Kelly Williams, Poy Erram and Henry Galinato.
Williams, who finished with 15 points and nine rebounds, knows TNT can’t be happy with what they have accomplished last Wednesday.
“It’s just one game and we’ll take the same approach — one game at a time — for the whole series,” said the 43-year-old Williams.