SMB, TNT clash for 2-1 series lead
Credit to Author: JOSEF T. RAMOS, TMT| Date: Thu, 08 Aug 2019 16:15:25 +0000
San Miguel Beer and TNT KaTropa collide for a 2-1 cushion in Game 3 of their Season 44 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven Finals series tonight at the Araneta Coliseum.
After an exhausting double overtime win (127-125) by the Beermen over the KaTropa last Wednesday night that tied the series in Game 2, both teams are expecting tougher competition in their 7 p.m. encounter.
San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria said they would prepare for an exciting Game 3.
“I think more or less what yung nakita mo dito sa game na ito malamang yun ulit. Those players na who want to win has the big advantage (I think more or less what you have seen in this game, you’ll see it again. Those players who want to win has the big advantage),” said Austria after Game 2.
“Game 3 is going to be an exciting game so we have to refocus, recharge and be ready.”
Despite losing import Terrence Jones through second technical foul when he busted Chris Ross’ lips in the last 21 ticks of the first overtime, TNT had almost won the game as it still led the game at 114-112.
But no thanks to the four free throws missed by Brian Heruela and Troy Rosario in the last 10 seconds of the first overtime.
“Whether they have an import or none, they are still playing good basketball, they are focus on their game from start to finish, they are very hungry, and eager to beat us, but we refused to lose we know the importance of the second game,” added Austria.
After those four free throws bungled by TNT, San Miguel Beer got a chance to force a second overtime as Ross threw a long pass to Alex Cabagnot, who completed the game-tying lay-up, 114-all, at the last buzzer.
Ross, for his part, said he was willing to give his all in Game 3.
“You’ve got to bring out everything in the Finals. I’m not doing anything dirty. I’m not talking trash, I’m just playing mind games. When the stakes are these high, you’ve got to bring out all the stuff that you got,” said Ross, who finished with 25 points.
Import Chris McCullough posted 32 points, 22 rebounds and seven assists while Terrence Romeo had his impressive game in San Miguel Beer uniform with 29 points to lead the Beermen. Alex Cabagnot had 19 points and June Mar Fajardo made 12 points and 10 rebounds also for San Miguel Beer.
Bong Ravena, the coach of TNT, said they have to move on and forget the disastrous Game 2 result and focus on Game 3.
“We cannot do anything about that loss, what can they do? So move on and prepare for the next game. It’s anybody’s game. They (San Miguel Beer) just tied the series,” said Ravena, who drew a career-high 34 points on top of eight triples from Troy Rosario in Game 2.
Jones scattered 28 points, posted 13 rebounds, seven assists, five steals and three blocks before his ejection. Jayson Castro scored 27 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists also for TNT.