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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider SMB holds off TNT, stays spotless heading into long break

SMB holds off TNT, stays spotless heading into long break

Published Mar 17, 2024 01:33 pm

At A Glance

  • San Miguel Beer remained spotless heading into the long break after holding off TNT, 91-89, in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, March 17.
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San Miguel Beer remained spotless heading into the long break after holding off TNT, 91-89, in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, March 17.

 

PBA Images9 (43).jpg
June Mar Fajardo goes for a short stab. (PBA Images)

 

The Beermen averted a huge collapse as free throws from Jericho Cruz proved to be enough to stave off a furious Tropang Giga rally that erased a once 15-point advantage for the defending champions.

Cruz missed one of his two free throws with 1:28 left that could have given SMB a two possession cushion and allowed TNT to come within one, 90-89, with 25 ticks remaining on the clock.

The veteran guard was tested once more on the foul line but only came up with a split. Fortunately, it kept SMB afloat as Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser missed the potential game-winning trey.

June Mar Fajardo threw his weight around in the rematch of the last Philippine Cup finals, posting 15 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks. Cruz finished with 12 points as Marcio Lassiter and Don Trollano also finished with the same output.

CJ Perez and Terrence Romeo had nine apiece.

SMB improved to 2-0 record and atop the standings heading into the two-week break due to the All-Star festivities in Bacolod City and the Holy Week break.

SMB took a 15-point lead in the first half, 52-37, after a booming triple late in the first half. Just when the Beermen seemed to be tearing the game apart, the Tropang Giga came alive in the last two quarters and went on to tie the game 72-all early in the final frame.

The Beermen, however, retaliated with a 10-2 spurt to reestablish an eight point lead as SMB kept itself on the driver's seat despite the repeated comeback efforts from TNT.

Jayson Castro turned back the hands of time and finished with 20 points and six assists to lead TNT while RR Pogoy chipped in 15. Calvin Oftana and Kelly Williams added 14 apiece – all of which went down the drain as the Tropang Giga dropped to a 2-2 slate.

 

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