MANILA, Philippines—TNT’s primary cast pounced on San Miguel Beer early and used that cushion the rest of the way to carve out a 109-96 victory and nail a 1-0 headstart in PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals Sunday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Import Terrence Jones figured as the spearhead of the KaTropa’s assault, scoring 41 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, while Jayson Castro tossed in 20 more to go with Troy Rosario, Roger Pogoy and Don Trollano’s twin-digit performances.
“Perhaps we caught an exhausted San Miguel team. But we have to come out even stronger because they are a champion team we respect,” coach Bong Ravena said, already bracing for a fierce fightback by the perennial powerhouse in Game 2 on Wednesday at the Big Dome.
TNT erected a 16-point edge in the first quarter built on its long-range shooting, and further widened the gap in the second to keep themselves squarely on the driver seat throughout the contest.
San Miguel drew a total of 56 points from its vaunted duo of Chris McCullough and reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, with the reinforcement chalking up a triple double.
Two more chipped in in twin digits in the Beermen’s stand that had coach Leo Austria looking for a breathing room—which, fortunately, he will get from the two-day break.
The Scores
TNT 109 – Jones 41, Castro 20, Rosario 16, Pogoy 13, Trollano 11, Heruela 5, Reyes 3, Washington 0, Taha 0, Carey 0, Semerad D. 0, Casino 0, Magat 0.
San Miguel 96 – McCullough 33, Fajardo 23, Romeo 11, Standhardinger 10, Ross 7, Santos 5, Cabagnot 3, Pessumal 2, Zamar 2, Nabong 0.
Quarters: 35-19, 69-42, 87-72, 109-96.