The TNT Tropang 5G built an 11-point lead and held off a late furious rally from Rain or Shine to secure a 98–91 win in Game 1. Meanwhile, the San Miguel Beermen squandered an 18-point advantage, as Barangay Ginebra pulled off a stunning fourth quarter performance to claim a 73–71 victory on June 25.
Top Performers of the Day:
Brandon Arnell Ganuelas-Rosser (TNT PF) 13 PTS | 10 REB | 2 BLK | 36.0 FPS
BGR missed several games this conference due to injuries, but he’s steadily finding his rhythm and has made a significant impact on both ends of the court. He also recorded the eighth double-double of his career.
Roger Ray Pogoy (TNT SG) 28 PTS | 2 REB | 4 AST | 34.4 FPS
Pogoy took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 crucial points to help push his team ahead. He has been in strong scoring form, averaging 23.5 points over his last four games. In their previous meeting at this conference, he was equally unstoppable, finishing with 35 points on an efficient 11-for-15 shooting from two. He’s proven himself as a premier scorer and has also recently reached 5000 career points.
John Paul Erram (TNT C) 16 PTS | 10 REB | 1 BLK | 33.5 FPS
Erram had a slow start but stepped up in the second half, making a huge impact in both scoring and rebounding. It marked his best scoring performance in his last six games. In their earlier matchup against Rain or Shine in this conference, he also erupted for 31 points on 10-for-12 shooting.
Japeth Paul Aguilar (GIN C) 18 PTS | 9 REB | 1 BLK | 32.8 FPS
Japeth came up big, scoring 7 points in the third quarter to put his team back into the game. He continues to be a major force inside the paint, scoring at least 17 points on 58.2% shooting and averaging 11.4 rebounds in his last five.
Christian Jaymar Perez (SMB SF) 21 PTS | 7 REB | 2 AST | 30.4 FPS
Perez had a subpar performance against Meralco but got back on track today and finished with his ninth game with 20+ points in the conference. He’s been a solid force from two, shooting at 50.9%.
June Mar Fajardo (SMB C) 6 PTS | 19 REB | 2 AST | 29.8 FPS
June Mar struggled offensively but remained dominant on the boards, pulling down 10 offensive rebounds for the second time this conference. He is averaging 17 rebounds over his last four games. However, his status has become a major concern, as he has been dealing with a calf injury and aggravated it during the game.
Jamie Malonzo (GIN SF) 14 PTS | 5 REB | 2 STL | 28.5 FPS
Malonzo has been highly consistent in offense, shooting 7-for-10 from two and scoring in double-digits for the 11th time this conference. Defensively, he’s also a solid threat, ranking second on the team in both rebounding and steals.
Earl Scottie Thompson (GIN SG) 16 PTS | 8 REB | 1 STL | 28.1 FPS
Thompson’s production wasn’t up to his typical standards lately, scoring no more than 8 points in each of his last four games, with his passing numbers declining. But he got his rhythm back and finished with at least 15 points for the fifth time in his last nine games while staying productive in rebounding.
Jhonard Clarito (ROS PF) 14 PTS | 7 REB | 1 STL | 26.4 FPS
Clarito continues to be a reliable force in offense, finishing with double-digit points in 9 of his last 10 games. However, he wasn’t as impactful against TNT last conference, averaging just 5.4 points and never scoring at least 10 points in five games in the playoffs.
Biggest Disappointment of the Day:
Stephen Holt 4 PTS | 7 REB | 4 AST
Holt had a difficult time on offense, shooting just 1-for-6 from the floor. Despite that, he’s been a dependable scoring option this conference, finishing in double-digits in eleven games.
