MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel Beermen defeated TNT Katropa (96-83) in game 7 to advance in the finals for PBA Philippine Cup 2016-2017 season for third consecutive time on February 18, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
This was the third consecutive time for San Miguel Beermen to advance in PBA Philippine Cup “All-Filipino” since 2014 and crowned twice as PBA champion against Alaska Aces including the miracle comeback after trailed by 0-3.
Castro came out, but not in uniform in game 7 due to a hamstring sprain he suffered in the final quarter last game 6 of the series.
San Miguel Beermen leaned on their starters with June Mar Fajardo the only starter played less than 40 minutes.
Photo credit: **PBA images****
June Mar Fajardo and Arwind Santos led the Beermen with double-double who finished with 22pts each. They also added with 19 rebounds and 13 rebounds respectively, but Fajardo’s rim protection with 4 blocks help more on the defensive end for the Beermen.
Chriss Ross also finished in double-double with 18pts, 10 assists, plus 6 rebounds, but also commited with 7 turn over. Lassiter and Cabagnot also added with a combined 26pts. Espinas also finished with 8pts for the entire bench of San Miguel.
San Miguel Beermen went early with a double digit lead 18-7 under 5 minutes of play in the opening period, but Kelly Williams and Larry Fonacier provided spark for the TNT and lead only by 22-19.
Going into the second period TNT Katropa level the Beermen intensity by having a series of deadlock and lead changes in the quarter but Beermen came out with 41-39 led after the 24 minutes of play.
Beermen outscored the TNT Katropa (36-21) and lead as much as 20pts in the third period and enjoyed the final quarter with a double digit lead until TNT Katropa had a late run and taste a single digit deficit (83-92) in the final 2 minute frame after triple by Troy Rosario but the time is now in favor for the Beermen, Santos sealed the win for the Beermen with 2 free throws.
Larry Fonacier led TNT with 14pts off the bench, Roger Pogoy also finished with 13pts as starter.
San Miguel will face the winner of the other series between Star Hotshots and Barangay Ginebra tomorrow.
Game 1 of the finals will be on Friday February 24, 2017.
Game Summary
Total Lead Changes: 9
Total Deadlock: 6
Biggest Lead: 20pts (San Miguel Beer)
Biggest Lead: 2pts (TNT)
Quarter Scoring
First Quarter: San Miguel Beer(22-19)
Second Quarter: (19-20)
Third Quarter: (36-21)
Fourth Quarter: (19-23) TNT
Total: 96-83
Score
SMB (96): Fajardo 22, Santos 22, Ross 18, Cabagnot 14, Lassiter 12, Espinas 8, Heruela 0, Garcia 0, Tubid 0, De Ocampo 0.
TNT (83): Fonacier 14, Pogoy 13, Williams 11, Rosser 9, De Ocampo 9, Reyes 7, Rosales 6, Tautuaa 5, Rosario 5, Seigle 4, Tamsi 0.
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