PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel retaliated with an emphatic Game 4 win over TNT, 116-90, to even their best-of-seven semifinals series in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Saturday at DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Tropang Giga dominated the Beermen in Game 3, 115-98, but it’s now back to square one for both teams.
San Miguel essentially had the game in check as early as the first half as it took a 15-point buffer, 52-37, heading into the break against a depleted TNT team.
Center Poy Erram, who singlehandedly handled TNT’s paint in the absence of Kelly Williams, left the game at the 8:29 mark of the second quarter after he suffered a contusion when Moala Tautuaa landed on his head off a rebound scramble.
Without Erram in the fold, the Beermen ran rampant against the Tropang Giga eventually erecting an 81-44 lead after Marcio Lassiter knocked down a three at the 4:30 mark of the third.
“Our loss in the third game was embarrassing for us and I wasn’t able to get any sleep after that kind of loss,” said San Miguel head coach Leo Austria. “I’m so happy with the players because everybody stepped up.”
Moala Tautuaa had a decent line of 11 points and nine rebounds in the Game 3 loss but the 6-foot-7 big man bounced back with 25 points and nine boards for the Beermen in the pivotal Game 4.
“It’s a huge game for him and I hope he’ll be consistent because we know and we believe that Mo can help us in the conference,” added Austria.
Terrence Romeo pitched in 16 points for the Beermen who had seven players finish in double figures including June Mar Fajardo who had 13 points and 12 boards and Lassiter who also had 13 points on 3-of-4 shooting from deep.
Jayson Castro had 15 points and four assists for the Tropang Giga.