Beermen Bounce Back: San Miguel Levels Finals Series with 98–92 Game 2 Win Over TNT

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by Lou Reyes

SMB's June Mar Fajardo (15) shoots over TNT's Kelly Williams during Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. Photo: PBA Media Bureau.

San Miguel Beer roared back with a vengeance in the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup Finals, delivering a commanding 98–92 victory over TNT Tropang Giga in Game 2 to even the best-of-seven series at 1–1. After a controversial loss in the opener, the Beermen channeled their frustration into focus, dominating inside and displaying the championship poise that has defined their dynasty.

From the opening tip, San Miguel was locked in. They built a 51–39 halftime lead behind punishing interior play, outscoring TNT 38–8 in the paint through two quarters. June Mar Fajardo and Mo Tautuaa bullied their way to efficient nights, with Fajardo finishing with 17 points and 9 rebounds, and Tautuaa adding 16 points. The physicality and discipline of San Miguel’s big men set the tone early and established a foundation TNT struggled to match.

Off the bench, Jeron Teng lit up the second quarter with 10 of his 10 points, providing much-needed energy and offense. Even as TNT mounted a furious rally in the fourth quarter—cutting the lead down to just a single point—San Miguel refused to fold.

Don Trollano emerged as the closer, dropping 22 points, including 12 in the crucial final frame. His scoring flurry came just as the Tropang Giga threatened to steal momentum. Meanwhile, veteran guard Chris Ross anchored the defense, collecting four steals and making several key stops that stifled TNT's rhythm.

Don Trollano topscored for SMB with 22 points, hitting clutch shots. Photo: PBA Images

San Miguel also turned TNT’s errors into opportunities. The Beermen capitalized on 17 TNT turnovers and translated them into fastbreak points and extended possessions. Their execution and intensity exposed cracks in the Tropang Giga’s perimeter defense and decision-making under pressure.

TNT, for their part, leaned heavily on Calvin Oftana’s 23 points and Jordan Heading’s 15. But poor outside shooting—just under 30% from three—and the absence of big man Poy Erram, who went down with a sprained ankle, hurt their ability to contend inside and defend San Miguel’s size.

After the game, head coach Leo Austria praised his team’s composure and focus, calling it a “championship response” to the Game 1 controversy. On the other end, Chot Reyes admitted TNT needs to clean up turnovers and get better looks against San Miguel’s versatile defense.

As the finals shift into Game 3 on Friday, the series is once again wide open. With San Miguel rediscovering its groove and TNT eager to bounce back, fans are in for a titanic clash between two of the league’s proudest franchises. This war is just getting started