The San Miguel Beermen dominated the paint and tightened up defensively in the fourth quarter to secure a 98-92 win over the TNT Tropang 5G and tie the series at 1-1 in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals on July 16.
Top Performers of the Game:
Calvin John Oftana (TNT SF) 23 PTS | 7 REB | 1 STL | 33.9 FPS
Oftana hasn’t been as productive offensively over the last two games, but he bounced back in Game 2, taking over in the third quarter with 13 points to bring his team back into the game. However, he slowed down in the fourth, going 0-for-6 from the field and 0-for-2 from the free-throw line. Despite the cold finish, he still recorded his fourth 20-point performance of the playoffs.
Christopher Ross (SMB PG) 7 PTS | 7 AST | 4 STL | 33.3 FPS
Ross delivered another standout performance on the defensive end, collecting three steals in the fourth quarter to help keep his team ahead. It was his fourth game in the last six with at least three steals.
June Mar Fajardo (SMB C) 17 PTS | 9 REB | 3 AST | 32.3 FPS
JMF had a dominant start but couldn’t sustain his momentum after getting into foul trouble. He had scored 20+ points in each of the previous three games and grabbed 12 or more rebounds in six straight games before this one.
Kelly Williams (TNT PF) 11 PTS | 8 REB | 2 STL | 29.1 FPS
Williams has been highly productive since returning from a sprained ankle, averaging 10 points and 7.5 rebounds in the first two games of the series.
Celedonio Trollano (SMB SF) 22 PTS | 6 REB | 1 AST | 27.7 FPS
Trollano stepped up in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 points to help keep his team in control. He’s been a dependable contributor on offense, posting double-digit points in seven straight games, including two 20-point outings. Defensively, he’s also done a solid job defending Oftana.
Brandon Arnell Ganuelas-Rosser (TNT PF) 10 PTS | 4 REB | 5 BLK | 26.8 FPS
BGR has recorded 12 blocks over his last three games and has also been effective on offense. However, fouls remain a major concern, averaging five in the first two games.
Jericho Xavier Cruz (SMB SG) 6 PTS | 6 REB | 7 AST | 26.7 FPS
Cruz continues to struggle with his scoring, shooting just 1-for-10 from the field in Game 2 and 3-for-17 in the series. However, he has stayed productive in the secondary categories, particularly as a playmaker, averaging nearly six assists over his last three games.
John Paul Erram (TNT C) 6 PTS | 3 AST | 3 BLK | 21.9 FPS
Erram had a strong start, tallying three blocks in the first quarter and contributing on offense. However, he injured his ankle in the third quarter and was forced to leave the game. He’s been playing well in the series but could miss some time, which would give Galinato a larger role.
Moala Tautuaa (SMB C) 16 PTS | 7-17 FG| 4 REB | 20.8 FPS
Tautuaa has played a key role on offense in the last three games, averaging 13 points on 53% shooting from two.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Jaymar Perez (SMB PG) 8 PTS | 9 REB | 1 STL | 23.3 FPS
Perez has struggled at the start of the series, averaging 13.5 points on a rough 10-for-31 shooting from the field. However, he continues to make an impact in other areas, collecting 20 rebounds over the first two games.
