TNT shoots for 2-0 lead in PBA Ph Cup Finals

Sports

A CRITICAL two-to-nil lead will be the goal when the TNT Tropang 5G battle the San Miguel Beermen in Game 2 of the 50th PBA Philippine Cup Finals on Friday night, Jan. 23, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

TNT drew first blood in the best-of-seven series but had to go through some anxious moments before icing a 96-91 Game 1 win last Wednesday, Jan. 21.

The Tropa led by as many as 19 points but sputtered in the endgame that allowed the Beermen to pull within a point. San Miguel even had the chance to make the game more interesting but missed some three-point shots down the stretch, enabling TNT to escape.

“Obviously, we’re happy with the win but we have so much to work on, and we have one day to correct our mistakes,” TNT coach Chot Reyes said on pba.ph

The Tropa escaped with the victory despite committing 19 turnovers that the Beermen converted into 25 points.

In contrast, the Beermen committed just seven errors but still couldn’t pull through.

TNT had a balanced attack in Game 1 with six Tropa scoring in double figures.

Big men June Mar Fajardo and Mo Tautuaa scored at least 20 points each in the series-opener but didn't get enough support from their wing players.

Shooter Marcio Lassiter was held scoreless while Don Trollano, Jericho Cruz, Chris Ross, and Juami Tiongson combined for just 19 points.

“Credit it to the game plan of TNT, they’re able to contain our shooters,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria.(CCM)