MANILA — San Miguel Beermen put a dent on what would have been TNT KaTropa’s happy day by taking Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals with a 106-101 win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Sunday night.
Hours after the KaTropa swept the individual awards, the Beermen broke their hearts after derailing a comeback attempt.
The Beermen was up by 15, 84-69, early in the fourth quarter, but TNT clawed back and came to within two, 96-98, with 40 seconds remaining.
Junemar Fajardo scored on a clutch layup, and Chris Ross made a huge steal from Jayson Castro, leading to two free throws from Alex Cabagnot for the 102-96 cushion with 16 seconds left.
Troy Rosario tried to keep the KaTropa in the game with a booming triple with 11 seconds left, but Cabagnot drilled two more charities for a 104-99 lead with 10 seconds left.
Terrence Jones scored on a quick basket after just two seconds, but TNT needed four seconds before finally fouling Ross, who sealed the win with two free throws.
Chris McCullough put up a 20-20 game of 27 points and 22 rebounds with four assists, one block, and one steal for SMB, which tied the best-of-seven series again at 2-all.
Cabagnot added 25 points, three rebounds, five assists, and one steal, while Fajardo came up with 22 markers, seven boards, two dimes, one block, and two steals.
Jones, who was adjudged the Best Import of the Conference, played like one despite the losing effort for TNT, collecting 32 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and six steals.
Rosario added 24 points, eight rebounds, and one assist.
Castro, the Best Player of the Conference, chipped in 17 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and three steals. (PNA)
