San Miguel Beermen’s Don Trollano in the PBA Philippine Cup game against Ginebra. -PBA IMAGES®mada
MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel flaunted roster depth once more in its 95-92 win over Ginebra in the PBA Philippine Cup at Araneta Coliseum on Friday.
With the Beermen being locked down by the Gin Kings in the dying minutes of the game, they turned to Don Trollano to deliver a haymaker that kept Ginebra at bay.
Despite leading by as much as 18 at one point in the game, San Miguel saw its advantage cut to four, 90-86, with 3:06 left.
READ: PBA: Don Trollano gives injury-hit San Miguel Beer shot in arm
WATCH: San Miguel Beer in high spirits after defeating Barangay Ginebra to go 4-0 in the PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/IbseZXl2i9
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San Miguel initially went to their big man June Mar Fajardo in the paint to try and stop the rally but he was immediately caught in a double team.
In an effort to buy a bucket with the shot clock expiring, the seven-time league MVP kicked it out to Trollano, who was wide open at the top of the key, for a big-time triple.
“It was a broken play because the ball was with June Mar then he got doubled. I think it was Japeth (Aguilar) or Jamie (Malonzo) who helped then I was open and I know June Mar. Even in practice he passes it to me in those situations,” said Trollano in Filipino.
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“I was comfortable. Coach Jorge (Gallent) trusted me and my teammates as well, especially Chris Ross. He always tells me to just play my game. He told me ‘we know you can shoot,’ and that just gives me confidence.”
At the end of a thrilling showdown between the two San Miguel squads, the former NLEX gunner finished with 15 points and eight rebounds in the victory.
Trollano’s heroics also pushed the Beermen to an undefeated record after four games.
Gallent was pleasantly delighted to see that the depth of the Beermen is still seen in the Philippine Cup with Trollano proving to be an important piece despite coming off the bench.
“What I always tell them is, we’ll be a great team if we move the ball and that’s what we did in the end game. June Mar found Don when he was doubled and Don is a great player who wasn’t hesitant to take that three-point shot.”