Don Trollano and Jeron Teng led the San Miguel second stringers' charge against Ginebra in Game 2 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Wednesday, Jan. 7.
Don Trollano struggled on offense in San Miguel's Game 1 duel with Ginebra in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals opener last Sunday, Jan. 4.
He tried his best to change that in Game 2 three days later, knowing that the second unit had to step up as SMB aimed for a quick recovery in the best-of-seven affair.
Trollano improved on his five-point showing in the semifinal opener, tallying 12 points to help the Beermen get even on the Gin Kings, 93-84.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: San Miguel fires back at Ginebra in Game 2 of Philippine Cup semifinals]
“We have to be aggressive, especially 'yong second group. Kasi noong Game 1, walang production 'yong second group, eh,” Trollano said after the match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
“Napag-usapan namin ng second group na from the start, we just have to be aggressive kahit mag-miss ka. Kailangang maging aggressive offensively at defensively.”
San Miguel drew 29 points from its bench players in Game 1.
The second stringers hiked that to 44 in Game 2, highlighted by Jeron Teng's 13-point output, 12 in the fourth, that netted him the Player of the Game recognition.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Austria pleased with 'magic bunot' Jeron Teng in Game 2, admits guilt over semis opener snub]
Trollano struggled with a 1-for-7 clip the last time out, noting how Ginebra made it tough for him.
“Na-surprise kami sa depensa nila, sa game plan nila,” said Trollano, who went 4-for-13 from the field in Game 2.
Jeron Teng of the San Miguel Beermen | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
The San Miguel winger prepared for whatever the Gin Kings would throw the Beermen's way this time around, stepping up when it mattered for his squad.
He dropped nine points in the second half, where SMB flipped the script on Ginebra after trailing by as many as 11 points in the first two quarters.
But Trollano knows that the battle will not be any easier as the series progresses.
“Ito namang series na 'to, game of adjustments. Mag-a-adjust din sila sa Game 3,” he said.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Chot Reyes bares TNT mentality ahead of semis Game 2 win over Meralco]
Match is set Friday, Jan. 3, also at the Big Dome.
Tip off is at 7:30 p.m.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.