Quick Read
- San Miguel Beermen defeated TNT Tropang 5G 96-82 in Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
- The Beermen now lead the best-of-seven series 3-2, standing one win away from the championship.
- Rodney Brondial led San Miguel with a double-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds.
- June Mar Fajardo contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds despite a brief knee scare.
- TNT’s Roger Pogoy missed Game 5 due to a hamstring injury and is likely out for the remainder of the series.
- Game 6 is scheduled for Sunday, January 30, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
ANTIPOLO (Azat TV) – The San Miguel Beermen secured a pivotal 96-82 victory over the TNT Tropang 5G in Game 5 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals on Friday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, establishing a crucial 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven championship series. This commanding win places the Beermen just one game away from clinching their second consecutive Philippine Cup title, following a resilient comeback after trailing significantly in the first quarter.
San Miguel’s triumph was largely fueled by a stellar performance from Rodney Brondial, who stepped up amidst an injury scare to star big man June Mar Fajardo. Brondial delivered a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds, providing a steadying presence in the paint when it was most needed. The Beermen’s collective effort allowed them to overcome an early 23-7 deficit, steadily chipping away at TNT’s lead before taking control in the second half.
Brondial’s Heroics and Fajardo’s Resilience in Game 5
Rodney Brondial emerged as the unlikely hero for San Miguel, particularly after reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo awkwardly planted his right knee on the floor and briefly left the game in the third and fourth quarters. Despite the scare, Fajardo returned to finish with a double-double of his own, tallying 14 points and 11 rebounds. Brondial’s relentless energy and timely scoring, including a crucial three-pointer while battling cramps, proved indispensable. “We just really want to win. It’s hard to be down 3-2 in a series like this. That last loss was also a motivation for us,” Brondial stated, emphasizing the team’s determination.
Other key contributors for the Beermen included Don Trollano and Kris Rosales, who added 14 and 12 points respectively, further bolstering San Miguel’s offensive output. The team’s ability to distribute the scoring load proved vital, especially against a TNT squad hampered by injuries.
TNT’s Early Lead Evaporates Amidst Injury Woes
The TNT Tropang 5G started Game 5 with remarkable intensity, sinking multiple triples to build a commanding 23-7 lead midway through the first quarter. However, their hot start cooled considerably as San Miguel mounted its comeback. By halftime, the Beermen had narrowed the gap to a single point, 48-47, signaling a significant shift in momentum. Coach Chot Reyes’s team struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm and contain San Miguel’s relentless attack, particularly in the paint.
A significant blow for TNT was the absence of Roger Pogoy, who missed Game 5 due to a hamstring injury. Team manager Jojo Lastimosa confirmed that Pogoy is “most likely” to miss the remainder of the series, a substantial loss for the Tropang 5G’s championship aspirations. Pogoy had previously vowed to play through the pain but was ultimately sidelined, impacting TNT’s perimeter defense and scoring depth.
San Miguel’s Defensive Adjustments and Series Outlook
San Miguel coach Leo Austria lauded his team’s defensive adjustments and renewed hustle following their Game 4 loss. “Last time, we played like we could be easily defeated,” Austria remarked. “But, we saw the differences between the last game and this one. In terms of rebound, we outplayed them in that department. They also didn’t have many fastbreak points and we limited their points out of our turnover. It’s a sign that our hustle and hard work were there.” The Beermen effectively limited TNT’s fastbreak opportunities and capitalized on their own turnovers, statistics that were critical in their Game 5 turnaround.
With the series now standing at 3-2 in favor of San Miguel, the Beermen have an opportunity to close out the championship in Game 6. That pivotal contest is scheduled for Sunday, January 30, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Should TNT manage to force a Game 7, it would also be held at the Mall of Asia Arena on February 4. San Miguel’s current lead puts immense pressure on TNT, who must win both remaining games to prevent the Beermen from securing back-to-back Philippine Cup titles.
The strategic impact of Rodney Brondial’s Game 5 performance, coupled with the continued absence of Roger Pogoy for TNT, has significantly shifted the momentum in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, positioning San Miguel as the clear favorite to close out the series.