Castro Jayson Castro is again expected to lead the TNT Tropang Giga in Game 5. PBA photo

PBA Game 5

August 31, 2022 Robert Andaya 399 views

WITH four games already in the books, defending champion TNT and former champion San Miguel Beer resume their rivalry as they clash in Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup title showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Game time is 5:45 p.m. with the winner taking a pivotal 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series that saw many outstanding individual performances from both sides.

The Tropang Giga took games 1 and 4, while the Beermen dominated games 2 and 3 to reduce the title series to a virtual best-of-three games.

Focus of attention will be Jayson Castro, who was mainly responsible for TNT’s two victories, and June Mar Fajardo, who is determined to lead his team to the title after bagging his ninth Best Player of the Conference award last Sunday.

Castro said the return of TNT coach Chot Reyes is a big boost to the Tropang Giga’s chances.

“Malaking bagay na andito na uli si coach kasi extra motivation at the same time, naaayos ang execution namin,” said Castro, who finished with a game-high 26 points, six rebounds and four assists in TNT’s 100-87 victory.

The results:

Game 1 — TNT 86, San Miguel 84.
Game 2 — San Miguel 109, TNT 100.
Game 3 — San Miguel 108, TNT 100.
Game 4 — TNT 100, San Miguel 87.

(Series tied, 2-2)

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