Author: Bon Paulo Pabuhaya
Photo Credit: PBA Images
The San Miguel Beermen got off to an explosive start in the first quarter and held strong in the fourth, clinching a 95–89 victory to take a 2–1 series lead against TNT Tropang 5G in the best-of-seven finals of the PBA Philippine Cup on January 25.
Here are players who made the biggest impact and the stats to prove it:
TOP PERFORMERS OF THE GAME:
June Mar Fajardo SMB C 16 PTS | 27 REB | 3 BLK | 57.9 FPS
While JMF turned in his worst offensive showing of the series, he more than made up for it by posting his best rebounding game of the conference and his fifth 20-rebound game of the playoffs. With no one on TNT capable of containing him inside, he should continue to deliver at this level.
Brandon Arnell Ganuelas-Rosser TNT 15 PTS | 13 REB | 5 AST | 47.1 FPS
BGR contributed across the board and posted a conference-high in rebounds. He’s also made a bigger offensive impact lately, tallying 15 points and five assists in each of his last two games. While this added offensive production isn’t really his game, TNT will need it if they hope to even the series.
Calvin John Oftana TNT SF 25 PTS | 5 REB | 1 STL | 40.0 FPS
Oftana finally snapped his scoring slump, knocking down four triples and logging his fourth 25-point game of the playoffs. He’s been steady throughout the elimination rounds and should be able to keep the momentum going.
Jordan Timothy Heading TNT SG 15 PTS | 7 REB | 11 AST | 37.9 FPS
Heading continued to struggle from deep in Game 3 hitting just 1-of-6 but he made up for it with a conference-high in assists and his third 7-rebound game of the playoffs. Despite his strong all-around performance, his offense remains the more crucial part of his impact for TNT to win the series.
Jaymar Perez SMB SF 20 PTS | 5 REB | 4 AST | 33.0 FPS
After struggling through the first three quarters, Perez came alive in the fourth, erupting for 17 points to help SMB secure the win. While he is only averaging 16.3 points in the series so far, the Predator is certainly capable of more, having posted 33 points in their win against TNT in the elimination rounds.
Celedonio Trollano SMB SF 19 PTS | 3 REB | 1 BLK | 27.6 FPS
Don did most of his damage at the line, converting 10-of-12. After being limited to just 4 points in Game 1, he has turned things around, averaging 20.5 points over his last two games.
Moala Tautuaa SMB C 14 PTS | 4 REB | 2 BLK | 25.3 FPS
Through three games in this series, Mo has been highly impactful, averaging 16.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 stocks.
Marcio Lassiter SMB SF 10 PTS | 4 REB | 1 STL | 19.3 FPS
Lassiter finished in double figures for the second straight game and the fourth time in the playoffs. As one of the best shooters in PBA history, it wouldn’t be surprising if he delivers an even bigger performance in the series.
Jericho Xavier Cruz SMB SG 8 PTS | 3 REB | 2 STL | 17.6 FPS
Despite scoring in single digits for the fourth time in five games, Cruz remained a key contributor with his playmaking and defensive production.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE GAME:
Kelly Williams TNT C 0-5 FGM | 3 REB | 2 TO
The veteran big man had a rough outing in Game 3, missing all of his shots and failing to make much impact elsewhere. But he is capable of bouncing back, much like he did in Game 1 when he came close to a double-double.
