San Miguel bounces back from controversial Game 1 Loss to tie PBA Finals at 1-1

The San Miguel Beermen bounced back from a controversial Game 1 loss to level the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals series by defeating the TNT Tropang Giga, 98–92, in Game 2 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, July 16.

Don Trollano stepped up when it mattered most for San Miguel, taking over in the fourth quarter to finish with a team-high 22 points, including 12 in the final period. He received strong support from Mo Tautuaa, who tallied 16 points and four rebounds, and June Mar Fajardo, who contributed 17 points, nine rebounds, and three assists.

Chris Ross was given a starting role by San Miguel head coach Leo Austria, and he delivered a solid performance on both ends of the court—recording seven points, seven assists, four rebounds, and four steals. Jeron Teng provided a spark off the bench with 10 points, while Jericho Cruz added six points, six rebounds, and seven assists.

Don Trollano is the ArenaPlus BPG. #PBAAngatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/YRH1xn9ivQ

— PBA (@pbaconnect) July 16, 2025

“We have faced this kind of adversity and we know what to do. I told them that the chance is still there. It’s a best-of-seven, so it was just one loss,” Austria said during the post-game press conference.

For TNT, Calvin Oftana led all scorers with 23 points and added seven rebounds, but he went scoreless in the pivotal fourth quarter—missing all six of his field goal attempts and both free throws. Jordan Heading added 15 points of his own. The Tropang Giga were further hampered by the loss of star forward Poy Erram, who exited much of the second half due to an ankle sprain.

With the PBA Finals now tied at 1–1, Game 3 becomes crucial as the two teams clash again on Friday, July 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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