Game Today
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
7 p.m. – Star vs Ginebra
(Star leads series 2-1)
Star eyes 3-1; Kings want 2-2.
Chris Ross, one of basketball’s premier defenders, showed he can be an offensive threat when the situation presents itself and the San Miguel Beermen frustrated TNT KaTropa, 97-86, to tie their best-of-seven semifinal series at 2-2 in the PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Ross scored 31 points in the best individual scoring output by any player in the series, marked by his 18-point third quarter where he made 4-of-7 from rainbow territory that made it tough for the KaTropa to mount a huge rally.
His performance led San Miguel’s resurgence following back-to-back uninspiring performance to turn the series into a best-of-three affair heading into tomorrow’s pivotal fifth game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I have to commend my players dahil nagkaroon sila ng sense of urgency, lalong-lalo na si Chris Ross,” Beermen coach Leo Austria said.
June Mar Fajardo had a quiet-but-effective showing of 15 points and 15 rebounds while Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter added 12 points apiece for the Beermen, who led by a high of 22 points, 60-38, in the third before scuttling TNT’s comeback attempt.
TNT ended the evening regretting the missed chance of gaining a commanding 3-1 lead in the series after committing 30 personal fouls, much to the chagrin of Coach Nash Racela and his boys.
Twelve of those came in the second period, which the Beermen took advantage by making 9-of-11 freethrows and a 44-32 halftime lead.
The KaTropa also got little support from Game 3 heroes Roger Pogoy and Ranidel de Ocampo, who combined for 13 points.
Pogoy had 22 points in Sunday’s 98-92 win in Game 3 while De Ocampo had 24. Last night, the two were non-existent, going 6-of-15 from the field.
Larry Fonacier topscored for the KaTropa with 15 points, Jayson Castro finished with 13 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Mo Tautuaa added 12 points and six boards.
Fonacier’s three with seven minutes left put TNT behind 83-74, but Arwind Santos answered with a short jumper, before Fonacier was whistled for a technical foul for charging at an official, resulting in a free throw from RR Garcia that made it 86-74.
Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is bracing for another low-scoring, defensive struggle with the Star Hotshots as it tries to tie their best-of-seven semifinal series at 2-2 tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Scoring has been kept at a minimum since the series began last week, as seen last Monday when Ginebra regained its bearings with a 73-62 victory.
While he is glad that Ginebra is finally on the board after losing the first two games, coach Tim Cone expects his team to beg for points in the match set at 7 p.m. against a Hotshots team that has been rock-solid on the defensive end.
Scores:
SAN MIGUEL 97 – Ross 31, Fajardo 15, Lassiter 12, Cabagnot 12, Espinas 10, Garcia 8, Santos 7, Tubid 2, Y. De Ocampo 0, Reyes 0, Heruela 0.
TNT KATROPA 86 – Fonacier 15, Castro 13, Tautuaa 12, Williams 10, Pogoy 9, Rosario 5, Ganuelas-Rosser 4, R. De Ocampo 4, Rosales 4, Carey 4, Reyes 4, Seigle 2, Sumalinog 0.
Quarters: 18-19; 44-32; 76-58; 97-86.