Jayson Castro delivers game-winner as TNT draws first blood vs SMB in PBA Philippine Cup Finals

TNT Tropang Giga drew first blood as it defeated the San Miguel Beermen, 86-84, on Sunday in Game 1 of the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen had the advantage at the end of the first half, 49-37 before TNT went on a 33-point rampage against SMB's 15 to claim a 70-64 lead at the end of the third period.

TNT had control early in the fourth period until the Beermen tied the game at 84 with less than a minute left on the clock. Jayson Castro, the ever-reliable guard of TNT, proved to be clutch as he delivered a jumper to beat the buzzer and take the first win of the series.

RR Pogoy, who had 10 points in TNT's charge in the third period, tallied a total of 26 points. Mikey Williams, who had 12 points in the third frame, collected 21 points, while Jayson Castro had 15 points.

June Mar Fajardo, meanwhile, delivered MVP numbers with 24 points and 16 rebounds, while CJ Perez had 21 points and six boards.

The best-of-seven finals will return on Wednesday.

The Scores:

TNT 86 – Pogoy 26, M.Williams 21, Castro 15, Erram 9, Khobuntin 8, Reyes 6, Rosario 1, Montalbo 0, K.Williams 0, Marcelo 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0.

SMB 84 – Fajardo 24, Perez 21, Cruz 10, Tautuaa 6, Manuel 6, Lassiter 5, Brondial 4, Enciso 3, Ross 2.

Quarter scores: 16-21, 37-49, 70-64, 86-84.

—JMB, GMA News