THE PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup finals is back to square one with TNT and San Miguel facing each other again on Friday, with the series returning to the Ynares Center-Antipolo.
Here is a review of Game Four and a few keys to victory for both teams in Game Five.
TNT VS. SAN MIGUEL
When: Friday, January 30. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ynares Center-Antipolo
Winner moves closer to title
TNT and San Miguel return to the court, as each look to grab a 3-2 series lead in the championship series. The Tropang 5G tied things up in the best-of-seven finals with a 110-87 blowout of the Beermen last Wednesday.
Hot start for TNT in Game Four
TNT won Wednesday’s contest after a hot start wherein the Tropang 5G shot 67-percent from the field (12-of-18). They were able to continue their splendid shotmaking in the second quarter where they made 53-percent of their shots (10-of-19). They later led by as many as 35 points in the convincing victory.
At the end of the game, TNT shot 14-of-31 from threes, with San Miguel only making six of its 21 shots from distance.
SMB fires blanks
The way TNT shot in Game Four was the total opposite to how San Miguel did after the latter only made 37-percent from the field (7-of-19). Worse, the Beermen committed six turnovers that led to 12 Tropang 5G points in the first period, which contributed to the blowout loss.
Oftana on fire
Calvin Oftana nearly shot the lights out in Game Four when he made 11 of his 18 shots, including five from three-point range. He finished with 29 points in TNT’s victory in Game Four. Oftana has been playing well in the last two games, averaging 27 points on 58-percent shooting from the field. It could be bad news for San Miguel if Oftana continues to shoot that way.
Pogoy a question mark
RR Pogoy played in Game Four on Friday, but his stay was shortlived after playing only seven minutes and 37 seconds due to reinjuring his hamstring. He has become a question mark for Game Five, and his teammates must step up to fill the gap he left.
June Mar struggles
June Mar Fajardo couldn’t find his mark in Game Four. Although he had 18 points and 16 rebounds at the end of the game, Fajardo struggled in the first half when he only had three points and six rebounds, and was limited to only three shots during that stretch.
They need more of June Mar in the first half for SMB in Game Five.
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