TNT ended years of playoff heartbreak against San Miguel Beer with a convincing 97-79 win in the deciding Game 7 of their semifinal series to arrange a showdown with Magnolia for the PBA Philippine Cup crown at the Don Honorio Ventura State University in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Tropang Giga bucked an early deficit behind RR Pogoy, Kelly Williams and rookie Mikey Williams before frustrating the Beermen with their crisp offense and steady defending to punch their ticket to the championship series in Chot Reyes’ first conference back as coach.
It was TNT’s first playoff series win against SMB since the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals, ending a string of seven consecutive losses against one of the teams from its corporate rival San Miguel Corporation.
The Scores
TNT 97 – Pogoy 27, M.Williams 20, Rosario 12, K. Williams 11, Erram 9, Reyes 7, Castro 6, Heruela 3, Khobuntin 2, Montalbo 0, Exciminiano 0, Marcelo 0
SAN MIGUEL 79 – Fajardo 22, Ross 15, Perez 11, Romeo 9, Santos 9, Pessumal 8, Cabagnot 3, Tautuaa 2, Lassiter 0, Sena 0, Zamar 0, Comboy 0
Quarters: 15-23, 45-36, 67-55, 97-79
