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San Miguel superstar June Mar Fajardo in action. PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – San Miguel has gained the upper hand in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals.
The Beermen denied an undermanned TNT side of any comeback in Game 3, 108-88, at the Araneta Coliseum, moving up 2-1 in the best-of-seven championship round of the all-Filipino contest.
Just when the Tropang 5G were knocking at San Miguel's doorstep, 90-83, after the latter led by as much as 18 at the third canto at the 84-66 mark, Leo Austria's wards proved to be more composed, answering back with an 18-5 finishing kick in the last minutes, highlighted by two Chris Ross triples and two June Mar Fajardo conversions late in the fray.
"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," expressed coach Leo Austria during the postgame press conference.
"This is a very important game... first game in the best-of-five-series, and everybody was inspired by these guys are doing in the court," Austria added.
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The eight-time PBA MVP lived up to his billing, firing a huge 33-point output on a very efficient 12-of-15 clip, capitalizing on the absence of TNT big man Poy Erram, to go with 11 rebounds and three assists.
The veteran Ross provided his team with 15 points on four makes from beyond the arc, while Jericho Cruz and CJ Perez delivered 13 and 12 markers, respectively.
Meanwhile, RR Pogoy had 16 points to pace the losing side, headlining six TNT players in twin-digit scoring.
The Finals series will continue on Sunday, July 20, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Scores:
SAN MIGUEL 108 – Fajardo 33, Ross 15, Cruz 13, Perez 12, Trollano 10, Tautuaa 9, Lassiter 6, Brondial 6, Rosales 2, Teng 2, Tiongson 0, Calma 0
TNT 88 – Pogoy 16, Offtana 15, Vosotros 14, Khobuntin 13, Williams 11, Heading 10, Ganuelas-Rosser 3, Enciso 3, Galinato 3, Heruela 0, Variila 0, Aurin 0
QUARTERS: 22-25, 59-52, 86-70, 108-88