Don Trollano picked the perfect night to deliver the game of his San Miguel Beer career, erupting for 33 points as the Beermen leaned on depth, defense, and timely shot-making to outlast Barangay Ginebra, 91-85, in Game 3 of their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinal series Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With June Mar Fajardo enduring one of his quietest scoring outings in recent memory, Trollano seized control and refused to let the Beermen blink. He poured in 15 of his points in a decisive third-quarter stretch, turning what had been a tight contest into a commanding San Miguel run that ultimately pushed the defending champions to a 2-1 series lead.
Fajardo, coming off three straight 20-20 performances, was limited to just six points on a rough 1-of-8 shooting night and did not score from the field until the closing period. Still, the nine-time MVP found other ways to contribute, hauling down 19 rebounds while battling through a lingering shoulder issue that clearly affected his offense.
San Miguel’s response was collective. CJ Perez added 19 points, Mo Tautuaa chipped in 13, and the Beermen’s bench produced a massive 56 points, overwhelming Ginebra’s second unit and providing steady answers whenever the Gin Kings threatened.
The turning point came midway through the third quarter when Trollano ignited a blistering 16-0 run that blew the game wide open. San Miguel raced to a 70-52 advantage, silencing Ginebra’s momentum and shifting the pressure firmly to the other side.
Ginebra made one last push late behind Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar, trimming the deficit and forcing San Miguel to execute down the stretch. Veterans Chris Ross and Trollano calmly handled the closeout, while Perez delivered key baskets to snuff out the comeback and secure the Beermen’s second straight win after dropping the series opener.
Head coach Leo Austria was quick to credit Trollano’s readiness, but emphasized that the victory was a total team effort rather than a one-man show.
Before the series, we already expected Don to play well and help us a lot, Austria said. But the big factor tonight wasn’t just his 33 points. Our bench really stepped up. Mo played well when June Mar was resting, and everyone supported each other.
Austria also praised Fajardo’s toughness, noting that even at less than full strength, the league’s most decorated player continued to anchor the team in non-scoring ways.
Even though June Mar is not 100 percent because of his shoulder, credit to him. He doesn’t complain and still wants to play and help the team, Austria said.
The win puts San Miguel Beer on the doorstep of a commanding series position, with a chance to stretch its advantage in Game 4 on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. For Barangay Ginebra, the margin for error is quickly shrinking in a rivalry that continues to deliver playoff-level intensity.
Game 4 now looms as a pivotal swing contest, one that could either push San Miguel closer to another Finals appearance or give Ginebra the lifeline it desperately needs.
