PBA: Don Trollano steps up for San Miguel as June Mar Fajardo struggles

San Miguel Beermen’s Don Trollano in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals game against Rain or Shine. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—June Mar Fajardo didn’t dominate like he did in the first two games of San Miguel’s PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series with Rain or Shine but that didn’t hinder the Beermen from taking a pivotal 3-0 lead.

On Wednesday at Dasmarinas City Arena in Cavite, the Beermen outlasted the Elasto Painters, 117-107, behind the efforts of Don Trollano and company in place of an ice-cold Fajardo.

Trollano tallied a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds, pushing the Beermen to one win away from reaching the PBA Finals.

“I think Rain or Shine did a good job defending June Mar so I was just thinking that I needed to step up,” said Trollano. “Maybe I was just in the right place at the right time.”

Helping Trollano bury the Elasto Painters was the guard tandem of Marcio Lassiter and CJ Perez.

Perez got a double-double of his own with a game-high 23 points and 14 rebounds. Lassiter, on the other hand, hiked quest of reaching the pinnacle of the list of PBA players with most-made triples with five for 21 points.

READ: PBA: San Miguel nears sweep of Rain or Shine, finals berth

Coach Jorge Gallent acknowledged Fajardo’s slow night but said he still did the intangibles which helped San Miguel move to the cusp of the conference’s final.

Scenes before the PBA Philippine Cup semifinal doubleheader at Dasmarinas City Arena in Dasmarinas, Cavite.

The last time a PBA game was held in this province was 17 years ago in Cavite City. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/r2O8FA6DY3

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) May 22, 2024

“June Mar had his shots, there were open shots but it just wasn’t going in so he just have to practice more on that but his efforts were there. He had to do a lot of things; score, chase their big man because they shoot a lot of three and spread the floor,” said Gallent.

“Maybe he’s a bit tired, legs tired but he did a great job defending their big guys,” added the head tactician.

Galent urged his wards to keep their feet on the gas pedal and reiterated that they have to be “motivated” to get rid of the resilient Elasto Painters.

“We just have to be motivated in Game 4, bring the energy and step on the gas. I’m sure Rain or Shine will come out smoking in Game 4 so we just have to match that, do the things we’ve been doing and I think we’ll be okay.”

The Beermen look to close out the series with a sweep on Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.