(PBA images)
As the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals heads into a pivotal Game 3, the TNT Tropang Giga find themselves facing a mountain of challenges—none bigger than the imposing figure of June Mar Fajardo and the uncertain status of their own defensive anchor, Poy Erram.
Erram, TNT’s 6-foot-8 center and primary interior defender, exited Game 2 limping, nursing a badly swollen right ankle. His availability for Friday’s clash at the Smart Araneta Coliseum remains up in the air, with head coach Chot Reyes labeling him a game-time decision.
“We’ll just have to be ready,” said Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who’s likely to absorb a heavier load if Erram sits out. “Hopefully, Poy can bounce back. But if not, next man up.”
That “next man up” mentality has been the cornerstone of TNT’s resilient run to the Finals. Already without veterans Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac for much of the tournament—and with Kelly Williams and Roger Pogoy also missing time in the semifinals—the Tropang Giga have had to dig deep into their roster just to stay competitive.
Still, the task at hand is as difficult as they come: slowing down a San Miguel squad that looked rejuvenated in Game 2, responding with poise and power after a narrow Game 1 loss.
“June Mar is a different animal,” Ganuelas-Rosser admitted. “The series is tied, so we’ll need to make the right adjustments.”
After dropping the opener 99-96, the Beermen bounced back with a convincing 98-92 win, behind a balanced effort and a suffocating inside game that exposed TNT’s lack of rim protection. Fajardo, as expected, was a dominant presence, while Chris Ross and Don Trollano made crucial contributions at both ends.
San Miguel head coach Leo Austria praised his team’s composure and fire, particularly in the fourth quarter when TNT mounted a brief surge. “We couldn’t sleep after Sunday’s loss,” Austria said. “But the only thing we could do was bounce back. You could see in the players’ body language—they were hungry to win.”
For Game 3, Austria wants that same energy and focus. “We need to keep the intensity, keep our hearts in it. This series is a grind, and every game is a battle.”
TNT, on the other hand, faces a major strategic dilemma: How do you defend the paint without your top rim protector? The answer could determine whether they regain control of the series or fall behind against a San Miguel squad gaining momentum.
Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m., with the series tied 1-1 and both teams looking to seize the upper hand in what’s shaping up to be a classic championship duel.