Beermen, KaTropa go for crucial series lead BOUNCE BACK

THE SAN MIGUEL Beermen and TNT KaTropa battle it out today for the crucial series lead in Game Five of their best-of-seven PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. LEVELED at two games apiece in their best- of- seven PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, the San Miguel Beermen and TNT KaTropa go for the crucial series lead in Game Five today at 7 p. m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Reduced to a best- of- three after the defending champions Beermen pulled abreast with a convincing 97- 86 win in Game Four last Wednesday, the two now try to outduel each other for the key victory that will move one a step closer to a finals appearance while pushing the other on the brink of elimination.

In taking Game Four, San Miguel rode on the careergame of guard Chris Ross, who exploded for 31 points, going for five- of-11 from the beyond the arc, to go along with six assists.

June Mar Fajardo and Marcio Lassiter had double-doubles with the former chalking up 15 points and 15 rebounds with four blocks and the latter finishing with 12 points and 10 assists.

The Beermen struggled early in the contest but when they found their groove they ran away and never looked back.

The win halted San Miguel’s two-game skid in the series, that saw it trailing TNT after taking the opener, and it was something it took with relief.

“I’m happy that we’re able to win tonight and tie the series. Had we lost, we’re in trouble because TNT is a good team to be given a 3-1 series lead and it will be tough to come back,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria after their win.

“The players played with a sense of urgency. They knew what was at stake. And I commend them for that,” he added.

“Game Five is going to be a battle. Both teams are strong with the stakes even higher,” Mr. Ross, named player of the game last Wednesday, for his part, said.

Meanwhile for the KaTropa, it is about bouncing back and trying to contain the Beermen, much like the way they were able to do in Games Two and Three.

In its series wins, TNT managed to hold off an explosive San Miguel team to just 88.5 points as opposed to an average of 104 points in its losses.

In Game Four, the KaTropa had troubles defending their opponents, especially when the Beermen started hitting their outside shots.

Larry Fonacier came off the bench last time around to topscore for TNT with 15 points.

Jayson Castro and Mo Tautuaa had 13 and 12 points, respectively. —