Tension heats up as SMB, TNT tangle for series lead
Published Jan 24, 2026 01:33 pm
At A Glance
- Expect tensions to flare and emotions to run high even at the usually chilly Mall of Asia Arena as San Miguel and TNT scrap for the series lead in Game 3 of their best-of-seven PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals on Sunday, Jan. 25.
Chris Ross and Kevin Ferrer figured in a verbal spat and had to be separated just before the final buzzer in Game 2.
While that squabble had little effect on the outcome, it only served as a warning of what lies ahead come Game 3.
Expect tensions to flare and emotions to run high even at the usually chilly Mall of Asia Arena as San Miguel and TNT scrap for the series lead in Game 3 of their best-of-seven PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals on Sunday, Jan. 25.
With the two teams already right on each other’s throat in Game 2, the fiery duel is likely to simmer — and then boil over — in the clash scheduled at 7:30 p.m.
“It is a matter of how hungry we are and they are,” said head coach Leo Austria, who is looking forward to the pivotal collision that could spell the difference in the series.
“I’m expecting an exciting game dahil 1-1 na and na-reduce na sa best-of-five. Game 1 as the best of five is very crucial,” he added.
With the Beermen bouncing back from a Game 1 defeat, the ball is now on the Tropang 5G’s court as they seek answers to the vaunted inside-outside game of the defending champions.
After struggling in the series opener, Don Trollano and Jericho Cruz came alive in Game 2 as they spearheaded the outside assault from the Beermen while June Mar Fajardo and Mo Tautuaa did their usual work inside the paint.
SMB led by as many as 24 although TNT repeatedly threatened — the last instance with their bench-warmers cutting down the lead to 10 late in the final frame.
Although the Tropang 5G failed to turn things around, it was something they can carry over in Game 3 where Austria is expecting big adjustments from counterpart Chot Reyes.
“We don't know yet but as far as these two games nila, talaga binibigyan talaga ng premium dito sa defense. The mere fact na nagta-trap sila sa amin, I think that is one of their surprises,” noted Austria.
But for TNT to replicate its Game 1 win, it needs more than just their defense to be on point, especially after Jordan Heading and Calvin Oftana struggled with their shots in Game 2.
The two combined for an 8-of-33 clip from the field including a 4-of-13 shooting from the three-point territory.