Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 24) — The buzzer could not come sooner for the TNT KaTropa, who were thumped, 102-88, in Game 2 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup Finals against the San Miguel Beermen on Friday night.
But despite the one-sided result, the KaTropa looked like they were going to blowout San Miguel at the first quarter.
TNT went on a blistering 17-0 rally to open up the game, but saw their advantage shrink to 32-24 by the end of the first frame.
The Beermen suddenly went on overdrive, capping off their own 15-0 run by stealing the lead, 36-32. San Miguel were relentless in the second quarter, and never gave TNT the chance to lift up their heads for air.
During the final frame, TNT were down by as much as 94-62 and had emptied their bench to preserve their heavier guns for Game 3.
After the game, TNT KaTropa head coach Nash Racela said that his team’s composure took a big hit in the second quarter and never recovered.
“I think we lost our focus and composure, especially in the second quarter,” Racela admitted. “This is the PBA, the team that loses composure, normally, is the team that loses.”
Fortunately for the KaTropa, the series is now a virtual best-of-five and they have the chance to right the ship before Game 3.
It was a tough loss, but Racela is already looking forward to making adjustments.
“You have to learn how to take the punches,” Racela added.
Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals will be on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
