TNT takes Game 5 to put San Miguel on verge of elimination

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Veterans Jayson Castro and Ranidel de Ocampo combined for 36, while Kelly Williams added 18 to go with 7 boards and 3 steals as the TNT KaTropa held off the San Miguel Beermen, 101-94, in Game 5 of the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Thursday, February 16 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Down by double digits at the half, the defending champs rallied to make a 16-point swing as back-to-back triples from Marcio Lassiter and Alex Cabagnot gave SMB a 60-57 lead early in the third quarter.

TNT relied on their veterans’ efficient second half production, as Jayson Castro finished with a game-high 18 points to go with 7 assists.

Ranidel de Ocampo, who hit the final free throws that sealed the deal, added 18 markers and 4 rebounds for the KaTropa, who listed 7 steals in the match.

Kelly Williams dished out an all-around game, likewise putting up 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting coupled with 7 rebounds and 3 steals.

Chris Ross and June Mar Fajardo had the chance to cut a 5-point deficit as TNT went beyond foul limit with under 4 mins left in the match, but both missed crucial free throws for San Miguel.

Arwind Santos paced the Beermen with 18 points and 6 boards, while Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter contributed 17 and 16 respectively.

The KaTropa, who shot 48% from the field, bounced back from an 11-point game 4 loss to clinch a twice-to-beat advantage heading into game 6.

Game 6 of this series is on Saturday, February 18 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Scores:

TNT (101) – Castro 18, Williams 18, De Ocampo 18, Pogoy 11, Reyes 9, Rosales 8, Fonacier 7, Seigle 4, Carey 2, Tautuaa 2, Rosario 2, Rosser 0, Golla 0, Sumalinog 0.

SMB (94) – Santos 18, Cabagnot 17, Lassiter 16, Ross 15, Fajardo 13, Espinas 9, Reyes 4, Garcia 2, Agovida 0, Tubid 0.

Quarter scores: 24-32, 50-40, 73-69, 101-94. – Rappler.com