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TNT withstands late SMB push, forces QF decider

Jayson Castro scores on a clutch layup against Junemar Fajardo. Kennelf Monteza
By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--TNT made a late run to preserve a great second quarter and defeat San Miguel, 93-88, in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Monday night.

Up by just one after the first period, the KaTropa erupted for 34 points in the second quarter as they opened a 54-43 lead at halftime.

The Beermen, however, slowly chipped away the lead and eventually tied the game, 86-all, with 1:43 left in the fourth quarter.

Troy Rosario then broke SMB's hearts when he drained a wide-open triple that sparked the deciding 6-0 run for TNT to take the lead for good.

Alex Cabagnot still had a scare as he was fouled while going for a triple, but he only got two out of three free throws that sealed the Beermen's fate.

RR Pogoy led TNT, which sent its best-of-three clash against SMB to sudden death Wednesday, with 20 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.

Jayson Castro added 19 points, one rebound, nine assists, and three steals, while Rosario had a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Junemar Fajardo put up 26 markers, 19 caroms, one dime, and one block for the Beermen.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno