The San Miguel Beermen (3-2) took control in the middle quarters and cruised to a convincing 96-82 win over the TNT Tropang 5G (2-3) in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals on January 30.
TOP PERFORMERS OF THE GAME:
John Rodney Brondial SMB C 17 PTS | 15 REB | 2 BLK | 41.5 FPS
Brondial moved into the starting lineup and made a big difference with his hustle and grit. He finished with a game-high in rebounds and a team-high in scoring, helping the team come back from a 16-point deficit. This was also his sixth 10-rebound game of the conference.
Calvin John Oftana TNT SF 20 PTS | 9 REB | 2 STL | 35.3 FPS
Oftana delivered yet again, posting his sixth 20-point game of the playoffs and falling just shy of his third double-double of the conference. They will need that same level of production—if not more—for TNT to tie the series.
Moala Tautuaa SMB C 11 PTS | 6 REB | 7 AST | 33.7 FPS
With JMF hurt, Mo stepped up again, keeping the team steady with a solid all-around performance. He’s been incredible this series, averaging 14 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.2 stocks and emerging as a strong candidate for the Finals MVP.
June Mar Fajardo SMB C 14 PTS | 11 REB | 1 AST | 27.7 FPS
It has been a rough postseason for JMF, who injured his shoulder against Ginebra and now hurt his knee in a fall during the third quarter. While he still finished with his fifth straight double-double performance, his overall output has been limited.
Celedonio Trollano SMB SF 14 PTS | 7 REB | 1 BLK | 26.9 FPS
Don had a tough time offensively, going 1-for-6 from beyond the arc, but still turned in a solid double-digit performance — his eighth in the playoffs. He also showed much more effort in Game 5, out-rebounding most of the TNT players.
Jaymar Perez SMB SF 10 PTS | 4 REB | 3 STL | 26.3 FPS
Perez was strong for most of the playoffs, but he has trended down lately, scoring 13 points or fewer in three of his last four games. CJ has shown similar inconsistency in the past, but he can compensate in other areas, as he did in Game 5.
Henry Galinato TNT C 11 PTS | 4 REB | 2 BLK | 25.3 FPS
Galinato has been impressive on offense in this series, going 18-for-22 from the floor and posting his fifth double-digit scoring game of the conference in Game 5. His impact has been especially noticeable over the last two games, and he should look to carry that momentum into Game 6.
Jordan Timothy Heading TNT SG 13 PTS | 4 REB | 1 STL | 21.8 FPS
Heading has been a steady contributor in the finals, putting up 14.4 points per game. But TNT will need more from him if they want to even the series. He is certainly capable of that, having recorded two 30-point performances and three 20-point games in the conference.
Krismoir Rosales SMB PG 12 PTS | 4 AST | 1 BLK | 21.2 FPS
SMB found a much-needed offensive spark from Rosales, who scored 7 in the first half and finished with his best game of the conference. If Cruz continues to struggle in Game 6, he should see another opportunity to step up.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE GAME:
Brandon Arnell Ganuelas-Rosser TNT PF 3 PTS | 5 REB | 4 AST
Playing aggressively on defense is a staple of the big man’s game, but it can backfire—as it did in Game 5. Foul trouble limited him to one of his least productive performances of the conference, but a bounce-back showing in Game 6 is well within reach.
