The TNT Tropang Giga can finish off the San Miguel Beermen this Friday, as they are a win away from taking home the PBA Philippine Cup title after their 102-93 win in Game 5. Will the confetti rain down at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Game 6? Or, will the Beermen force a Game 7?

Catch this game live on Friday,  September 2 at 5:45 pm, Manila time.

TNT Tropang Giga (3-2)

Projected Starting Five:

• PG: Mikey Williams
• SG: RR Pogoy
• SF: Glenn Khobuntin
• PF: Kelly Williams
• C: Troy Rosario

2007 called. It wants Kelly Williams back. The former PBA MVP churned out an unforgettable turn-back-the-clock game in Game 5, scoring 21 points with four 3-pointers while also sacrificing his body on the other end of the floor in guarding June Mar Fajardo. That’s probably the best game Kelly would have in the series, but at the very least, he has established himself as another floor-stretcher for TNT who can keep San Miguel’s defense even more honest. 

And with Jayson Castro’s status for Game 6 uncertain because of a hurting ankle, Kelly Williams’ explosion came at just the right time for TNT. In any case, the Tropang Giga will continue relying offensively on Mikey Williams and RR Pogoy. The key for TNT over the last couple of games has been their possession dominance. After outshooting the Beermen in Game 4, 86-69, the Tropang Giga were +8 in that department in Game 5, 86-78. Pogoy isn’t being an efficient scorer in the series, but the tremendous volume of TNT’s attempts from the field is making up for all those misses. 

San Miguel Beermen (2-3)

Projected Starting Five:

• PG: Chris Ross
• SG: CJ Perez
• SF: Marcio Lassiter
• PF: Rodney Brondial
• C: June Mar Fajardo

For the first time in this conference, the Beermen lost two games in a row. With San Miguel’s back against the wall, it’s about time for CJ Perez to resurface. Perez has played below his standards over the last few games. Perez scored 44 points in the first two games of the series, but has generated only 34 points on an inefficient 12/37 shooting from the field. 

Apart from Perez’s production, the Beermen need to execute better on both ends of the floor in crucial stages. They can’t be stagnant for long stretches on offense, especially since they have the most dangerous weapon in the PBA in Fajardo, who is scoring almost at will against the Tropang Giga. Marcio Lassiter only had four points on just five attempts in Game 5. With their title hopes on the line, the veteran sniper can be expected to show up. 

PREDICTION:

Spread: TNT (+4) covers. 

Over/Under: The Under (194.0) hits.