From letdown to sweet win

MANILA, Philippines —  How best to respond to that bitter loss in Game 1?

For San Miguel Beer, it’s delivering a spirited performance in the next one.

And with a 98-92 counter to TNT’s 99-96 opening verdict, the Beermen dragged the Tropang 5G to a quick standoff in the PBA Philippine Cup finals last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Coach Leo Austria’s troops relied on many heroes to secure this strike-back, which put the race-to-four series back to square one.

Don Trollano took the offensive cudgels with 22 points, making 12 of them in the fourth to fuel the final breakaway of the Beermen in this must-win encounter.

June Mar Fajardo banged in 17-9 while Mo Tautuaa, subject of the controversial “offensive basket interference call” late in Game 1, shot 16 in their stint as starting frontline duo.

In a relatively long 32-minute stint and starter role, Chris Ross put his stamp on the defensive end, making four steals, including three that gave the Beermen the fuel for the 23-18 closing barrage. He also had seven assists and as many points.

There’s also Jeron Teng, who came off the bench to score 10 in the second canto, powering SMB to an early 51-38 tear while JMF was sitting on three fouls.

San Miguel coach Leo Austria said the Beermen’s experience against adversity and the management’s solid support helped them get through the frustrations of Game 1.

“Talagang hindi kami pinatulog nung Sunday. Pero wala naman kaming magagawa but to bounce back (in Game 2). Makikita naman sa body language ng players na they wanted to win,” said Austria.

Calvin Oftana topscored with 23 for TNT but was held scoreless in the final canto. Jordan Heading added 15 as Kelly Williams turned in 11-8 for the Tropang 5G, who lost Poy Erram to a sprained ankle early in the third.