(PBA image)
In the PBA Finals, space is scarce, contact is constant, and no one expects mercy. For Rodney Brondial, that reality is simply part of the job.
The San Miguel big man made it clear he has no issues with the rising physicality in the All-Filipino Cup championship series, saying it comes with the territory when a title is on the line.
“Normal naman ’yun. Welcome naman, wini-welcome namin yung physicality,” said Rodney Brondial after his breakout performance for the San Miguel Beermen in Game 5. “Siyempre finals na ito.”
Brondial was the driving force behind San Miguel’s commanding 96-82 victory over the TNT Tropang 5G on Friday night at the Ynares Center, pouring in 17 points and hauling down 15 rebounds to push the defending champions ahead, 3-2, in the best-of-seven series.
His night, however, was far from easy. Brondial absorbed relentless contact inside, often tangling with TNT’s Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser in a series of hard-nosed exchanges under the basket. The physical duel eventually took its toll on Ganuelas-Rosser, who fouled out late in the contest.
Still, Brondial brushed off the bumps and bruises, acknowledging the desperation on both sides as the championship inches closer.
“Siyempre hindi rin naman basta-basta magpapatalo ’yan,” said Brondial, referring to TNT. “At saka mas gusto nga namin yung ganun, yung pisikalan.”
With momentum back on their side, the Beermen now have a chance to close out the series and retain their All-Filipino crown when Game 6 tips off Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. TNT, meanwhile, will look to dig deep once more and force a decisive Game 7.