LIVE UPDATES: San Miguel vs TNT – PBA Philippine Cup Finals, Game 3

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Tied at 1-1, San Miguel and TNT vie for control in Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals

MANILA, Philippines – After splitting the first two games of their best-of-seven series, San Miguel and TNT vie for control in Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, July 18.

Following a controversial end to the series opener last Sunday, July 13, the Beermen evened things up at 1-1 after scoring a 98-92 Game 2 win on Wednesday, July 16.

Don Trollano emerged as the hero for San Miguel, stepping up to the plate with a team-best 22 points, with 12 of those coming in the fourth quarter.

As expected June Mar Fajardo made his presence felt inside the paint with 17 points and 9 rebounds, while Mo Tautuaa — who found himself in the center of controversy after his crucial go-ahead slam was overruled in Game 1 — quickly moved past the incident, chalking up 16 markers and 4 boards. 

For TNT, Calvin Oftana carried the fight with his game-high 23 points, but went scoreless when it mattered the most in the final frame. 

The banged up Tropang 5G also suffered another blow as big man Poy Erram exited the game in the third quarter and did not return the rest of the way due to an ankle sprain. 

With Erram’s status for Game 3 up in the air and with Kelly Williams still playing through his own ankle injury, expect San Miguel to exploit the undersized TNT side in Game 3 as it goes for back-to-back victories for a 2-1 lead.

Meanwhile, look for a bounce-back performance from the likes of Oftana and Roger Pogoy after the latter was limited to only 6 points on 1-of-9 shooting in Game 2. 

Game time is 7:30 pm. – Rappler.com