TNT obliterates SMB, takes 3-2 PBA semifinals lead

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The TNT Tropang Giga was quick to redeem themselves after demolishing the San Miguel Beermen, 110-90, and moved one win away from reaching the PBA Philippine Cup grand finals.

After making five consecutive three-pointers to end the first quarter, the Tropang Giga never looked back and continued their offensive onslaught for three more cantos that saw a San Miguel team get picked apart defensively.

One of the highlights of TNT’s crucial Game 5 win was the return of big man Kelly Williams who missed the first four games of the duel due to health and safety protocols.

The veteran high-leaper paced the TNT squad with his immediate impact and chipped in 12 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one block.

Williams’ defensive presence underneath made everything easy for the Tropang Giga squad who struggled dealing with consecutive foul trouble issues due to their shortage of frontcourt personnel in the first four games.

Super rookie Mikey Williams also had a statement game with his 18-point production after struggling to buy a basket against the tight defense of Beermen guard Chris Ross in the first four games of the semis matchup.

Despite a 23-point output from June Mar Fajardo, the Beermen still wasn’t able to shoulder a late-game run that could’ve cut the TNT lead to single digits.

Jayson Castro was also unstoppable for TNT as he sank his field goals at will to end up with 19 points and eight assists.

With the victory, the Tropang Giga are looking to finish the star-studded San Miguel team today in Game 6 of their best-of-seven series.