TNT KaTropa is in a good position to hold a huge advantage over the Grand Slam-seeking Beermen.
The Tropang Texters are eyeing a commanding 2-0 lead over San Miguel Beer in the continuation of their best-of-seven titular tilt in the finals of the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
In the driver’s seat with a 1-0 advantage, TNT KaTropa aims on taking another step towards the title as it looks to repeat over the Beermen in Game 2 tonight at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game 1 was a titanic clash as both protagonists had their moments. The Tropang Texters emerged victorious thanks to their difference-making import Joshua Smith, who lifted his team to victory despite playing on one good foot.
With the game on the line and ball in hand, Smith, after the initial play failed to materialize, took it upon himself to sink the game-winning jump hook to lift TNT KaTropa to a hard fought 104-102 escape over San Miguel. TNT holds a 1-0 series lead.
Smith is playing hurt and is reported to be just around 60 percent. His impact in the middle is still making a big difference for TNT KaTropa.
It is now up to the Beermen to adjust to give themselves a chance of tying the series.
Hotshot rookie Roger Pogoy also shone. He had a career night in his finals debut, scoring a game-high 27 points to lead the Tropang Texters.
San Miguel actually started well in Game 1, holding several seven-point leads, banking on 21 first quarter points by Charles Rhodes.
But foul trouble slowed their big men as the Beermen and eventually allowed the Tropang Texters to take control of the match.
San Miguel beer is hoping to add a second PBA conference crown this season and move closer to a second Grand Slam after winning the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup.
The Beermen are the most successful team in the history of the PBA and are the only remaining original franchise in the league. They lead the league with the most titles with 23 and the most all-time games won with more than 1,200 victories.
The Beermen won their first Grand Slam in 1989 and now own the Perpetual Jun Bernardino Trophy after winning three consecutive PBA Philippine Cup titles from 2015 to 2017.