SAN MIGUEL Beer and TNT collide in an all-or-nothing Game Seven of the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup semifinals series today at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Tip-off is at 7 p.m.
The defending champion Beermen, who struggled all series long against the resilient KaTropa, sent the series to a do-or-die Game Six with a 104-88 triumph in Game Six three-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo’s double-double performance.
The 6-foot-10 center fired 23 points and collared 21 rebounds to lead San Miguel Bee’s breakaway in the final quarter of their game on Saturday.
Beermen Head Coach Leo Austria acknowledged his prized big man’s contribution gave them the much-needed momentum.
“I really expected that this series will extend to seven games, because when you look at both team’s lineup, we are equally talented,” Austria said. “But we really have an advantage in June Mar. He dominates the game so well.”
“During our three losses, they held June Mar to minimal numbers because they know that we will give the ball to the post. ‘Good thing he adjusted well to the challenge,” he added.
The San Miguel Beer bench also played big in Game Six with RR Garcia and Gabby Espinas taking charge in the third period that set the tone for the team’s onslaught in the final frame.
Arwind Santos had 21 points, while Alex Cabagnot and Chris Ross added 19 an 14 points, respectively. Jayson Castro led TNT with 19 points and rookie Roger Pogoy finished with 12 points for the KaTropa. Troy Rosario got married on Saturday and did not play.
Ramon Rafael Bonilla