MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer overcame a sluggish start and tore the game apart behind a whirlwind third quarter offensive to smash TNT, 96-82 and move within a win from repeating as PBA Philippine Cup champion in Game 5 on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Heroes were aplenty for the SMB side, whose second stringers stepped up big that enabled the Beermen to pull off a backbreaking 30-13 third quarter exchange, snuffing the life out of the Tropang 5G in the process.
Rodney Brondial and Kris Rosales came off the bench to provide the spark that allowed SMB to recover from an early 7-23 deficit following a slow start.
Brondial would go on to finish with a team-high 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Rosales had 12, going 2-of-4 from three-point range, while adding four assists.
Fajardo had a quiet 14 points and 11 rebounds, and for a moment appeared to have hurt his left knee after landing awkwardly midway in the third period, following a basket inside to give SMB a 60-50 lead.
The 6-10 Fajardo sat at the bench the rest of the third period, but managed to swing back to action in the final period.
Don Trollano also scored 14 points while three other Beermen chipped in 10 or more, showcasing the team’s depth.
Calvin Oftana led TNT with 20 points while Jordan Heading added 13.
San Miguel can wrap up the title series and win a record-setting 31 league titles with another victory on Sunday when Game 6 moves back to the SM Mall of Asia Arena.