SIMPLY THE BEST! SMB finishes off TNT, defends PBA Ph Cup title

Sports

THE San Miguel Beermen cemented their status as the league’s winning team when they clobbered the TNT Tropang 5G, 92-77, and copped the 50th PBA Philippine Cup title on Sunday night, Feb. 1, at the MOA Arena.

The Beermen dominated Game 6 from start to finish, wrapping up the best-of-seven series, 4-2, to raise their 12th 12th Philippine Cup championship trophy.

Overall, San Miguel sealed its 31st PBA crown, way ahead of Barangay Ginebra, which has 15 titles.

Cebuano behemoth June Mar Fajardo asserted his might in the title-clinching win, putting up 29 points and 23 rebounds.

Fajardo went on to win the Finals MVP award, bagging another accolade after snatching the Best Player of the Conference trophy.

With the title run, San Miguel coach Leo Austria also snagged his 11th title as a bench tactician.

Contributing big in the win were CJ Perez, Rodney Brondial, and Marcio Lassiter, who all scored in double figures for a combined 47 points.

Calvin Oftana erupted for 28 points to lead TNT, which shot itself in the foot when it started slow in the critical match that allowed the Beermen to lead by as many as 21 points in the first quarter.

THE SCORES:

SAN MIGUEL (92) – Fajardo 29, Perez 19, Brondial 15, Lassiter 13, Ross 9, Trollano 4, Tautuaa 3, Rosales 0, Cruz 0.

TNT (77) – Oftana 28, Heading 14, Erram 11, Williams 6, Galinato 6, Khobuntin 4, Ganuelas-Rosser 3, Enciso 3, Nambatac 2, Nieto 0.QUARTERSCORES: 26-10, 49-39, 70-68, 92-77.(CCM)