MANILA — The San Miguel Beermen showed the might of their bench as they got back at the TNT KaTropa Texters with a confidence-regaining 102-88 victory in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner's Finals Friday night. June Mar Fajardo stood tallest—literally and figuratively—for the Beermen, leading his team with 22 points, 11 boards, two blocks, and one assist. MVP candidate Chris Ross was also at his sharpest, blasting away 20 points on top of nine assists, five rebounds, four steals, and one block. Alex Cabagnot, another MVP candidate, added 13 points, six assists, four boards, and one steal for the SMB starters. SMB's bench players contributed greatly in the win, with Arwind Santos knocking in 16 points, including four three-pointers. Marcio Lassiter (8 points) and Gabby Espinas (6 points) also had their moments for the Beermen, who bounced back from their 104-102 loss in Game 1. SMB won despite getting buried in a 17-to-nothing attack by the Texters to start the game and despite its import Charles Rhodes struggling for just seven points and 11 rebounds. SMB's gunners began heating up in the second quarter, erasing the deficit, and seizing command of the game. At the end of the half, SMB was on top, 52-43. The Beermen were also at their best on defense, limiting TNT's giant import Joshua Smith to just 11 points and six rebounds after the "Jumbotron" scored 21 points in Game 1, including the game-winner. Jayson Castro led TNT with 14 points but had to take 14 shots in 22 minutes. Anthony Semerad and Troy Rosario added 12 points apiece for a losing cause. Roger Pogoy, the TNT sparkplug who scored a career-high 27 markers in Game 1, was held scoreless in almost 19 minutes. Worse, the rookie wingman was ejected early in the third quarter after a flagrant foul 2 after he hit Santos below the belt. Game Sunday: SMB vs. TNT (Game 2, best-of-7 finals; series tied 1-1).
