San Miguel dominates TNT to even series

The San Miguel Beermen buckled down to business midway through the game, avoiding a 2-0 hole with a 102-88 victory over the TNT KaTropa on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

TNT had a hot start, scoring the first 17 points of the game. But after allowing 32 points in the opening period and scoring just 24, the Beermen limited TNT to just 11 in the second while scoring 28 of their own to carry a nine-point lead at the break, 52-43.

In the third period, Chris Ross, Alex Cabagnot, and Arwind Santos took turns taking shots at TNT, stretching the lead to 24 points at the 4:24 mark, 79-55. Baskets from June Mar Fajardo and Gabby Espinas had the Beermen ahead by 28 heading into the final turn, 90-62.

Fajardo had an efficient night, leading San Miguel in scoring with 22 points and 11 rebounds in just 25 minutes on the floor. Ross added 20 points with nine assists and five boards, while Santos provided the extra lift off the bench with 16.

Roger Pogoy,  who had 27 points in TNT's Game On win, was held scoreless in 18 minutes on the floor before being ejected from the game. Jayson Castro had 14 points, while Anthony Semerad scored 12 to round up the starters in double figures for TNT.

Game One hero Josh Smith scored just 11 points, while Ranidel De Ocampo returned from sick bay for just three points in less than nine minutes. —JST, GMA News