The TNT Tropang 5G and San Miguel Beermen were both looking to get a leg up in their PBA Philippine Cup Finals rematch when they met in Game 3 on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. And after 48 intense minutes of basketball, it was San Miguel that came out on top thanks to some endgame heroics from CJay Perez, who singlehandedly towed the Beermen to a 2-1 series lead.
What Happened?
San Miguel again raced out to a strong start, this time winning the first quarter, 33-19, behind 22 combined points from June Mar Fajardo and Mo Tautuaa. But, unlike in Game 2, TNT rallied much earlier as the Tropa took a 50-44 halftime lead after a 31-11 second quarter.
The two teams then went toe-to-toe in the third, with San Miguel inching to within 72-67 at the end of three to set up a nip-and-tuck fourth quarter. The Beermen looked headed for victory after erecting an 86-79 lead with 3:17 remaining, only for the Tropa to retake the lead, 87-86, on a Rey Nambatac triple. This time, TNT seemed headed for victory after a Henry Galinato Jr. slam extended the lead to 89-86 with under a minute left.
That’s when CJay Perez took over. First, he hit a booming four-pointer to regain the lead for the Beermen. Then, after a stop, he hit a three to give San Miguel a 93-89 advantage. Another stop later, and Game 3 was in the bag for the defending champs.
Who Stood Out?
CJay Perez saved the day for San Miguel, firing 17 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and accounting for that huge seven-point swing with under a minute left in regulation. The Beermen also drew big games from June Mar Fajardo, who was steady all game long and finished with 16 points, 27 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks, and Don Trollano, who added 19 markers.
TNT, meanwhile, had its fair share of studs, starting with Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks. Calvin Oftana atoned for his listless Game 2 with 25 points, while Jordan Heading orchestrated the TNT offense masterfully and put up 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists.
3 Keys to the Game
- CJay Perez. TNT had all the momentum in the endgame after Galinato’s swashbuckling slam. Then, CJay Perez happened. That four-pointer swung momentum right back to San Miguel, and that triple after was a dagger in the heart of TNT.
- Championship poise. Yes, San Miguel fell off in that 11-point second quarter, but it got right back up and went right at TNT. It also didn’t panic even when the Tropa appeared to be gaining momentum, ultimately giving CJay Perez the chance to make a difference in the end.
- Free throws. The Beermen lived at the line for stretches at a time in Game 3. In all, San Miguel made 26 of its 36 freebies compared to TNT’s 10-for-18. That difference proved to be a difference-maker in a close Game 3.
Next Up for the PBA
PBA Philippine Cup Finals action will take a two-day break before returning on Wednesday, also at the Mall of Asia Arena. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.
