Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Looking back at San Miguel’s second conference struggles in the past, coach Leo Austria called his team’s Finals appearance this season as destiny.
And on Sunday, that destiny became a reality as the Beermen closed out the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals in style, dominating TNT in Game 6, 115-91, at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen picked up their fifth title in three years, all under coach Leo Austria, and hiked the franchise’s overall championships to a league-best 24 in 38 Finals appearances.
San Miguel also claimed its first Commissioner’s Cup title since 2000, when it topped Sta. Lucia in five games.
The championship also brings the Beermen closer to a Grand Slam this season with only the Governor’s Cup title left to win.
Alex Cabagnot registered a rare triple-double in the game-clinching conquest with his 19 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, and three steals to be adjudged as the Cignal-PBA Press Corps Finals MVP.
Motivated to seal his first title in his professional career, Charles Rhodes came out smoking to open the game as he dropped 14 of his 30 markers in the first quarter. He also had 11 boards, four blocks, three assists, and two steals.
Marcio Lassiter also had his best game to date, shooting 5-of-13 from thres to finish with 24 points, alongside five boards and four dimes.
With Rhodes leading the charge, the Beermen turned a close 23-21 lead to a 37-26 edge to end the opening frame.
They continued to pounce on the hapless KaTropa, sharing the rock with 24 assists and shooting 12-of-29 from beyond the arc, to extend the lead to as high as 28, 94-66, late in the third period.
Arwind Santos came off the bench and dropped 17 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, while Chris Ross got 14 markers, seven boards, three dimes, and three steals to make up for June Mar Fajardo’s struggles in the game.
Troy Rosario topped TNT with 21 points and five rebounds, while Roger Pogoy got 16 in the loss.
The Scores:
SAN MIGUEL 115 – Rhodes 30, Lassiter 24, Cabagnot 19, Santos 17, Ross 14, Espinas 5, Semerad 4, Fajardo 2, Agovida 0, Heruela 0, McCarthy 0, Van Opstal 0, De Ocampo 0.
TNT 91 – Rosario 21, Pogoy 16, Smith 15, Castro 13, De Ocampo 7, Garcia 7, Tautuaa 4, Williams 4, Rosales 2, Semerad 2, Reyes 0.
Quarters: 37-26, 62-42, 94-69, 115-91.
