THE controversy sparked by a hotly debated offensive interference call now fades into the backdrop as the focus shifts to a battle for a commanding 2-0 series lead — or a 1-1 deadlock — when TNT Tropang 5G and the San Miguel Beermen face off in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With both squads locked and loaded, the tension is palpable.
The TNT Tropang 5G seek a follow-up on their 99-96 escape win in the series opener, but the San Miguel Beermen, fired up by what they see as unfinished business, are poised for an all-out counterattack.
Game time is at 7:30 p.m.
A win for the Tropa would push them closer to a coveted Grand Slam, while a Beermen triumph would reset the series and shift the fight to a pivotal Game 3 on Friday also at the Big Dome.
June Mar Fajardo and his teammates are rallying around the controversial nullification of Mo Tautuaa’s potential game-winning shot, using the incident as motivation to get even.
“I told the team it’s beyond our control (now) so let’s focus and let’s move forward. Let’s be motivated by the incident,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria.
The Beermen’s big 30-14 closing salvo highlighting their chase from 24 points down gives the Beermen positive vibes going to the next game.
“We showed we can compete with TNT,” said Austria, underscoring the firepower at his disposal.
For the Tropa, composure under fire remains their weapon of choice.
“We expected it (SMB fightback). We had no illusions that San Miguel would just roll down, roll and lay down. So we kept talking to our players to just relax, stay calm,” said TNT mentor Chot Reyes.
“We missed a couple of layups and that’s what happens against a team like San Miguel. When you give them an inch of opportunity, they’re going to pounce on it. So they upped their defensive pressure. Chris Ross is a one-man pressing machine, he almost single-handedly brought his team back. But good enough, we kept our composure in the end.”
Wednesday’s clash promises a war of will, strategy, and heart — one where every possession could tilt the series. / PBA.PH