TNT hands Fajardo-less San Miguel first Comms Cup defeat

MANILA, Philippines－The TNT KaTropa put an end to San Miguel’s unblemished record in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, blasting the Beermen, 112-103, on Friday, May 5 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. 

The Beermen trailed for most of the match as they played sans June Mar Fajardo, who is in the midst of preparing for the SEABA Championships with Gilas. The 3-time MVP’s rim protection was sorely missed as the Beermen were at a disadvantage in the rebounding department, 46-58. 

Donte Greene exploded for 41 points, 21 boards, and 4 assists for the KaTropa, while Kelly Williams added 15.

Larry Fonacier went 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, including a timely triple that sealed a 110-101 lead with 32 secs left on the clock.

Also pulled out from TNT due to national team duties were veteran point guard Jayson Castro, Troy Rosario, and former Far Eastern University standout RR Pogoy. With the absence of these offensive machines, the KaTropa’s bench stepped up as they outscored the Beermen’s stringers, 37-8.

Charles Rhodes meanwhile had a game-high 43 points on 18-of-29 shooting and grabbed 8 rebounds for San Miguel, which lands a 5-1 win-loss card.

Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter added 17 apiece, while Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot wound up with 11 and 7, respectively. 

After snapping San Miguel’s 5-game streak, the KaTropa now soars to a 6-3 record. 

Scores: 

TNT (112): Greene 41, Williams 15, Fonacier 14, Garcia 12, Tautuaa 11, Carey 6, Reyes 5, De Ocampo 4, Rosales 4 

SMB (103): Rhodes 43, Ross 17, Lassiter 17, Santos 11, Cabagnot 7, Espinas 6, De Ocampo 2, Tubid 0, Heruela 0 

Quarter scores: 27-16, 53-42, 79-70, 112-103 – Rappler.com