June 24, 2017

Tension high in Game 3 as SMB, TNT break standoff

Infractions were called, with one player even tossed out of the game Friday night.

That could well be an indication that San Miguel Beer and TNT KaTropa are heading for more intense battles in the continuation of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven title showdown.

After splitting the first two games, the Texters and the Beermen break the deadlock in Game Three at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

At halftime, the PBA honors the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa and the members of the PBA board will be on hand in brief rites saluting the gallant soldiers of the country, particularly those who served duty in the Marawi siege.

The Texters and the Beermen are breaking a one-game-all standoff after the former won Game One at 104-102 then the latter fought back with a 102-88 triumph in Game Two.
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A relief for the Texters was RR Pogoy escaping suspension for a flagrant foul penalty 2 on Arwind Santos at the 8:39 mark of the third quarter. The TNT rookie hotshots was meted a hefty P30,000 fine, though.

Nonetheless, emotions are likely to be higher in Game Three because of the Game Two incident.

Santos was mad, insulted by Pogoy’s cheap shot in his groin.

“Galit na galit na galit na galit ako, ba’t niya ginawa yun, FEU pa naman siya,” said Santos,
hit while airborne with Pogoy at his back.

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“Di ko na maalala kung ano yung pinagsasabi ko e. Talagang ang init ng ulo ko kanina. Isang ulo yung tinamaan niya e, alam mo yun? Lalake pa naman tayo, ayaw natin tinatamaan yung mga ganun. Panlaban natin yun. Alam niyo yan, di ba?” Santos continued.

TNT coach Nash Racela said it’s going to be a battle and his players have to stay focus and composed if they’re to have a chance in winning the series.

“We need to control our emotions more because things will not change,” said Racela.

“More than the defense of San Miguel, I know they have a scheme against Joshua (Smith), but more than the scheme of San Miguel, it was…. well the problem really was how we reacted to all the other things,” Racela added.

For San Miguel coach Leo Austria, others stepping up when one of them was struggling was the big key in their Game Two triumph.

“We’re trying to get a good chemistry. I need all of them. If one is not performing well, the others should step up. I hope we can sustain doing that,” said Austria.

June Mar Fajardo, Chris Ross, Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot delivered the goods as Rhodes struggled for only seven points.

Santos was a key spark off the bench, getting away with 16 points and six rebounds. (SB)