San Miguel is eager to close out the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals in Game 6 once and for all. But it’s not going to be easy against the resurgent TNT.
Just when San Miguel had the chance to deliver the killer blow, the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals Wednesday, July 24, TNT put up a gallant stand and stole Game 5, 86-78.
The Beermen, who scored three straight wins after their controversial series-opening loss, sputtered early on.
But while they managed to threaten in the fourth period, they simply did not have enough to follow through.
The good news: SMB still leads the series, 3-2.
One Sports delves into the ways that will allow SMB to reclaim lost glory in the Philippine Cup Finals.
Bench mob led by Jericho Cruz and Don Trollano
Good things happen when San Miguel's bench joins the fray.
Fortunately for the Beermen, guys like Jericho Cruz, Don Trollano and Jeron Teng have upped their game.
In their three wins so far, the Beermen's bench outscored TNT’s, 134-90, combined.
SMB edged the Tropang 5G in that department again in Game 5, 30-17, but that’s because the latter’s starters hit their mark and all finished in double figures to extend the series.
Cruz and company need to continue making a great job of bringing in the energy as they look to end this once and for all in Game 6.
[RELATED STORY: Jericho Cruz rues San Miguel’s lack of effort in Game 5 loss to TNT in PBA PH Cup Finals]
Fajardo needs to do more
Make no mistake about it. June Mar Fajardo is doing June Mar Fajardo things.
He has been the most consistent so far for San Miguel, putting up averages of 20.8 points and 12 rebounds.
(TNT's Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser taking on June Mar Fajardo in Game 5. Photo by RM Chua)
But to close out a persistent TNT side that is also missing big man Poy Erram due to a meniscal tear in his left leg, the 6-foot-10 behemoth needs to raise his game to another level and assert his dominance more.
Remember when he dropped 42 points and 20 rebounds to help San Miguel clinch a fourth straight Philippine Cup title and cop his first Finals Most Valuable Player award? Yes, we’re talking about that kind of performance.
The Predator must awaken
Cjay Perez has been the missing link so far for the Beermen.
[RELATED STORY: Cjay Perez refuses to be dejected after lowest output in SMB-TNT PBA title series]
While the former Finals MVP and Best Player of the Conference has averaged 12 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals, he is slightly struggling from the field.
He shoots a lowly 16-for-44 for a 33.33 percent clip, while also struggling to connect from the three-point area with 25 percent or 4-for-16.
Will he finally break out in Game 6 and deliver a stellar performance he is capable of?