Fajardo, Beermen rout Erram-less TNT, take 2-1 edge in PBA Finals

Noah Barro

San Miguel Beermen superstar June Mar Fajardo thrived off the injury-stricken TNT Tropang 5G as he propelled his squad into a lopsided 108-88  win in Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, July 18.

Photo Courtesy of PBA Images.

TNT had no answer as “The Kraken” prospered off the undermanned frontcourt after tallying an efficient 33-point, 11-rebound double-double.

Fajardo only missed three of his 15 shots, showcasing sharp shooting from the field, and added three assists, a steal, and a block.

He also stopped the bleeding after breaking a five-minute scoring drought for SMB with a layup to answer TNT’s 7-0 run early in the fourth, 88-77.

TNT tried to rally with a 5-1 spurt—highlighted by a three-pointer from seldom-used guard Almond Vosotros—to close the gap to 89-82.

However, that was the closest they would get.

The Beermen unleashed their scoring floodgates, igniting an 18-5 clapback highlighted by veteran guard Chris Ross, who drilled two treys and two Fajardo conversions to ice the game eventually.

Ross finished the game with 15 points and six boards, while CJ Perez and Don Trollano chipped in 12 and 13 markers, respectively, to avert TNT’s comeback attempt after seeing their 18-point cushion melt into a two-possession game.

"I think the experience of the players, ano. Dahil alam nila fourth quarter is pivotal, and the killer instinct of the player, especially June Mar Fajardo and Chris Ross—they know how to handle the finals," stated coach Leo Austria.

Despite trailing by three points at the end of the first quarter (22-25), the Beermen took control against the Grand Slam-seeking TNT in the second period, outscoring them 37 to 27. Fajardo scored 12 points in that frame alone to give SMB a 59-52 halftime lead.

Aside from Fajardo’s dominance, the TNT also suffered as the Beermen efficiently crashed the boards, 46-38, which translated into a 16-2 second chance points conversion for SMB.

Errors also clogged TNT’s offense after turning the ball over 18 times, where the Beermen capitalized, scoring 32 points off turnovers.

Meanwhile, Vosotros saw action for the first time in the series, impacting immediately after providing additional firepower for the Tropang 5G, sinking four treys in his 14 markers. But it was not enough after being given only 13 minutes in the match.

RR Pogoy and Calvin Oftana chipped in 16 and 15 points, respectively.

San Miguel will aim to extend their win streak and secure a commanding 3-1 series lead on July 20 at the Mall of Asia Arena, where the Best Player of the Conference award will also be presented.

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