By REYNALD MAGALLON
Don Trollano put together an efficient 29-point explosion as San Miguel saved some blushes after holding off a furious Magnolia comeback, 94-92, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Montalban on Friday, Nov. 7.
Missing the last game due to back spasms, Trollano announced his return in style and drained a clutch four-pointer with 53 seconds left – just in time to help the Beermen restore order after squandering a once 18-point lead.
The big four was actually part of Trollano’s personal 7-0 run that put SMB back ahead, 91-88, after suddenly trailing by four, 84-88, in the final frame.
The reigning Mr. Quality Minutes awardee surely lived up to his title after only needing 19 minutes to reach his output that also came with six rebounds,
CJ Perez provided support with 20 points, four rebounds and five steals while June Mar Fajardo, save for an uncharacteristic 6-of-11 clip from the free-throw line, was in his usual form with 18 points, nine rebounds, two steals and a block.
With the escape, the Beermen caught up with the Hotshots with a similar 4-2 record – good for a three-way tie with NLEX at the second spot of the standings.
Meanwhile, Kelly Williams turned back the clock and put up a vintage performance as TNT outlasted an upset-conscious Terrafirma in overtime, 109-95.
The Tropang 5G, behind the spark provided by Williams and Jio Jalalon, crawled back from a huge 16-point deficit and then displayed poise in the extension to frustrate the Dyip and improve to a 5-1 record.
Williams caught fire from deep and nailed eight triples, none bigger than his last three – the first that triggered a pivotal 13-3 run and the next two to cap it.
The 43-year-old player erupted with a double-double of 28 points and 11 rebounds while RR Pogoy, who kept TNT within striking distance for the most part of the contest, finished with 21.
Jalalon, on the other hand, was all over the floor for TNT with seven points, 12 rebounds and eight assists as he provided the teeth to the Tropang 5G’s defense in the second half.
Calvin Oftana chipped in 15 and Rey Nambatac 14 as TNT kept in step with Rain or Shine atop the standings.
The Tropang 5G spoiled a career-night for Jerrick Ahanmisi who had his best scoring with 26 points – 19 of which he poured in the first half when the Dyip took a 51-35 lead.
Brent Paraiso also had a game for himself with a near-triple-double showing of 13 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds.
