The San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang 5G square off again later tonight for Game 2 of their PBA Philippine Cup Finals. TNT will be gunning for a 2-0 series lead to seize some form of control, while San Miguel will be looking to bounce back and even this best-of-seven showdown.
San Miguel Hopes for a Better Start
For the Beermen, getting off to a better start than they did in Game 1 will be a point of emphasis, as that early 17-point lead TNT erected proved a whale of a difference. It meant San Miguel had to play from behind for much of the second half, and while Leo Austria’s wards mounted a comeback, they ultimately ran out of time and fell short.
“It’s very clear that the first quarter was the culprit because we didn’t play the way we did before. The mere fact that we were able to get that kind of production in the second half, the chance was still there,” Austria pointed out in the aftermath of Game 1.
Indeed, for all of the Beermen’s early struggles, Game 1 was still theirs for the taking. They even got to within 92-91 with 20 seconds remaining, only for Jordan Heading to shut the door with four big freebies.
TNT Looks to Keep Turnovers Down
For TNT, cutting down on turnovers will be the focus in Game 2. The Tropa coughed the ball up 19 times in Game 1, including twice in the final minute. Those two turnovers could’ve been costly, but TNT got away with it in the end anyway. Still, Chot Reyes is far from satisfied.
“We gave 25 turnover points to San Miguel, and that’s something that we definitely need to address. We had 19 turnovers, and that’s why we gave them 25 turnover points,” Reyes said after Game 1. “I’m happy with the win, but there’s so much more for us to improve on, and we have one day to correct our mistakes.”
To that point, Reyes can at least take solace in the fact that Game 1 could’ve been an aberration, as his Tropa has mostly taken good care of the ball. Prior to their 19-turnover game, TNT averaged just 11.5 giveaways per game, and that’s clear proof that the Tropang 5G can cut down those turnovers.
Game 2 unfurls later today at the Ynares Center Antipolo.
