June Mar Fajardo out to lead San Miguel bounce back in Game 2 of PBA Finals vs TNT

After a controversial end to Game 1, June Mar Fajardo and Cjay Perez aim to lead the San Miguel Beermen’s bounce-back bid in Game 2 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals against TNT Tropang 5G on Wednesday, July 16.

Gametime is set at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

San Miguel is determined to even the best-of-seven series after falling short in a chaotic 96-99 loss in the opener, a game marred by confusion surrounding a potential go-ahead dunk by Mo Tautuaa with under a minute left.

[RELATED STORY: PBA explains basket interference call on Mo Tautuaa late in Game 1 of TNT-SMB Finals]

The technical committee later ruled the play as offensive basket interference after a review during a dead ball with six seconds remaining.

Despite the outcry from the Beermen bench and fans alike, team officials opted not to file a formal protest following a postgame explanation from PBA deputy commissioner Eric Castro and technical head Bong Pascual.

"We had the letter prepared but thought but thought it was an exercise in futility since they preempted our arguments with their press con last night," SMB team manager Gee Abanilla said. 

[ALSO READ: No protest for San Miguel after controversial Game 1 loss in PBA Finals: 'Exercise in futility’]

With the focus now squarely on Game 2, San Miguel is banking on its championship poise and star power to regain control of the series.

Fajardo was dominant in Game 1 with 26 points, 15 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, showing he remains a major force inside. Perez likewise delivered an all-around effort with 19 points, 11 boards, and strong defensive presence.

Veteran Chris Ross also played a vital role in the Beermen’s furious second-half rally. His signature ball pressure and court leadership sparked a 19-0 blitz that erased a 24-point TNT lead and nearly flipped the result.

With their pride wounded and urgency rising, the Beermen now set their sights on knotting the series before it slips further out of reach. Expect a fired-up San Miguel side in Game 2—ready to respond, and ready to redeem.

[ALSO READ: PBA: Mo Tautuaa expresses frustration after dunk ruled as interference in SMB’s Game 1 loss]

(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)

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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]