Beermen bounce back, force Game 7

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer struggled with its shots in the first half but found the mark throughout the second canto to stop TNT KaTropa in its tracks, 104-88, and send the PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal series to the limit  last night at the MOA Arena.

June Mar Fajardo delivered a career 11th 20-20 game with 23 points and 21 rebounds and anchored the Beermen’s key turnaround in the final half leading to the 16-point victory that forced Game 7 in their side of the Final 4.

Arwind Santos came through with his near double-double game with 21 points and nine rebounds. Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter also produced solid backup as the Beermen foiled TNT’s first crack at wrapping up the series.

They clash in a knockout match at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the same venue.

Uncertain is the status of TNT main man Jason Castro who limped off the court and straight to their dugout with seven minutes left to play.

Before that, he scored on a drive off two defenders then held on to his right leg, obviously uneasy. He slammed the water jug on their bench in frustration as he went for  the exit.

“It’s one good situation for us (if he’s not there tomorrow). June Mar is having a hard time because of Jason Castro. June Mar has to extend his defense every time Jason gets free from their pick-and-roll game,” said SMB coach Leo Austria.

But the Beermen were already ahead, 79-75, having wiped out a 12-point third-quarter deficit when Castro left the game.

The Beermen overcame a 14-of-39 clip in the first two quarters, stemming the tide in their favor in the final half with a 19-of-36 shooting.

“Just one thing, all our guys really wanted to win,” said Austria.

“Despite a bad first half, they came out and did the best they can in the second half. We’re able to build momentum and no one among core players wanted to take a rest even when they’re obviously tired already,” Austria added.

Fajardo, Santos, Cabagnot, Ross and Lassiter, the powerhouse SMB starting five, nearly outscored the entire TNT team, 84-88.