Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The TNT KaTropa took a 2-1 lead in their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup semifinal series against the San Miguel Beermen, 98-92, on Sunday evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ranidel De Ocampo paced TNT with 24 points, while rookie R.R. Pogoy chipped in 22 markers.
De Ocampo swished in 16 points to boost KaTropa to a 53-49 advantage going into halftime, in what had been a see-saw battle up to that point.
A Mo Tautuaa led charge saw TNT build up an 61-49 lead to open up the third frame, but the Beermen clawed their way back to even the score at 72-all as the teams headed into the final frame.
A pair of Gabby Espinas free throws gave San Miguel a 78-75 advantage early in the payoff period, but the KaTropa would wrestle back the lead, 87-81, with 7:23 left to play.
Chris Ross gave the Beermen a chance after trimming the TNT advantage down to 92-90 with 1:43 on the clock, but they were not able to convert on the defensive end to avoid the defeat.
Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter each had 18 points in the loss.
After the game, TNT head coach Nash Racela said that it was his team’s defensive effort that won them the contest.
“I think its similar to the last game, it’s our defense,” Racela said. “I thought coach Leo did a good job adjusting his rotations and yung mga schemes, for awhile we were surprised.”
San Miguel could even the series when they contest Game 4 on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
