Austria expects TNT to bare defensive bite anew
JuneMar Fajardo (with ball) will draw much of the defensive attention again. —PBA IMAGES
San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria is bracing for another stern defensive test from TNT Tropang 5G as the rivals chase a 2–1 lead in Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals on Sunday.
The series shifts to Mall of Asia Arena for the 7:30 p.m. tipoff, with the Beermen looking to stay on course after knotting the championship duel with a 111–92 rout in Game 2.
Physicality ramped up in that contest, with several players from both sides exchanging words—and reactions—amid moments of puzzlement and amusement over the officiating.
“It’s a matter of how hungry we are and how hungry they are,” Austria said, expecting “an exciting game” with a chance to move two wins away from the title at stake.
Austria is hoping San Miguel can make the necessary tweaks against a TNT defense that has put a premium on shutting down the perimeter. After focusing on containment in Game 1, the Tropang 5G turned to full-court pressure in Game 2 in a bid to erase a deficit that ultimately proved too large.
“They’ve been putting a premium on defense,” Austria said. “The trapping was one of the surprises they had for us. Good thing we had a big lead of 24.”
San Miguel drew timely contributions across the board. Don Trollano bounced back from a quiet Game 1 with 22 points, while Jericho Cruz rediscovered his swagger and chipped in 12. Juami Tiongson, making just his third start of the conference, scored all nine of his points in the first half as the Beermen surged to a 57–33 lead at the break.
Their efforts complemented another steady showing from June Mar Fajardo, who finished with 17 points and 16 rebounds, and Mo Tautuaa, who added 14.
TNT, meanwhile, is under pressure to respond.
A technical foul called on Calvin Oftana for a second motion—after he was hit in the eye on a foul by Chris Ross—sparked visible frustration from the Tropang 5G bench. Coach Chot Reyes waved a white handkerchief in a gesture that looked more like a prayer rally than a protest, while team manager Jojo Lastimosa stepped forward from a few rows behind the bench to confront one of the officials.
Beyond the frustration, TNT is hoping for a sharper showing from Oftana, who was limited to 11 points on 3-of-8 shooting with five turnovers, and from Jordan Heading, who went 5-of-15 despite scoring 14.
Jio Jalalon, who did not play in Game 1, provided a lift in Game 2 with seven points and seven assists and could be a factor again on Sunday. Rey Nambatac, meanwhile, has emerged as TNT’s most consistent scorer through two games, pouring in 17 in the Game 2 loss. INQ
