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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Brondial the hero as SMB turns back TNT to move on cusp of PH Cup crown

Brondial the hero as SMB turns back TNT to move on cusp of PH Cup crown

Published Jan 30, 2026 10:09 pm

At A Glance

  • San Miguel found an unlikely hero in the hardworking forward as he helped the Beermen buck a lethargic start before blasting the TNT Tropang 5G, 96-82 in Game 5 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Friday, Jan . 25

Rodney Brondial was cramping up after forcing a stop on the defensive end, and yet still found a way to go the length of the floor and bury the dagger triple.

San Miguel found an unlikely hero in the hardworking forward as he helped the Beermen buck a lethargic start before blasting the TNT Tropang 5G, 96-82, in Game 5 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Friday, Jan. 30.

Brondial provided the energy and the hustle before the rest of his teammates picked up the slack as the Beermen climbed back from a huge 16-point hole to move one win away from retaining the All-Filipino Cup crown.

The Tropang 5G went off to a blistering start and quickly erected a 23-7 lead but the Beermen came alive behind the relentless activity of Brondial and the bench boost from Kris Rosales to bring SMB back in the game.

The SMB stars then picked up the scoring from there with Marcio Lassiter, CJ Perez and Don Trollano all finally coming alive for the Beermen in the second half.

Brondial posted eight of his team-high 17 points in that crucial second frame rally as he also finished with 15 rebounds and two blocks.

June Mar Fajardo also had a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds after overcoming an injury scare in the third frame. Rosales finished with 12 while Mo Tautuaa and Marcio Lassiter, who was held scoreless last time out, added 11 apiece.

The veteran gunner also sparked a huge third quarter storm for SMB as the Beermen unloaded a 19-5 rally to break the game wide open.

Calvin Oftana paced TNT with 20 points while Jordan Heading, after pouring 10 in the hot first quarter run for the Tropang 5G, only added three points the rest of the way to finish with 13.

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