LIVE UPDATES: San Miguel vs TNT – PBA Philippine Cup Finals, Game 4

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After taking control of the best-of-seven series, San Miguel eyes a pivotal 3-1 lead, while TNT looks to equalize the series in Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals

MANILA, Philippines – The San Miguel Beermen eye a pivotal 3-1 lead, while the TNT Tropang 5G look to equalize the series when they lock horns anew in Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, July 20.

Led by June Mar Fajardo, San Miguel notched its second straight win after dropping the controversial series opener and took control of the best-of-seven clash following a convincing 108-88 Game 3 victory on Friday, July 18. 

Fajardo flexed his muscles inside the paint against the Poy Erram-less 5G, exploding for his highest scoring performance yet of the conference of 33 points on an ultra-efficient 12-of-15 shooting, together with 11 rebounds.

The eight-time PBA MVP Fajardo also got plenty of help as Chris Ross, Jericho Cruz, CJ Perez, and Don Trollano all came to play for the Beermen with their double-digit scoring performances. 

Meanwhile, Roger Pogoy bounced back from his lackluster 6-point outing in Game 2 as he fired a team-best 16 points, while his fellow TNT star Calvin Oftana supplied 15 points and 9 rebounds. 

With TNT playing without its top center Erram due to an ankle sprain he suffered in Game 2, San Miguel dominated the 5G in rebounding, 46-38, as well as points in the paint, 48-28.

San Miguel also destroyed TNT in points off turnovers, 32-12, as the 5G committed 18 turnovers compared to the Beermen’s 9. 

With the 6-foot-8 Erram still likely out for the 5G, look for the Beermen to run their offense around Fajardo anew as they try to move on the cusp of the Philippine Cup crown.

On the other side, expect the Grand Slam-seeking 5G to play much sharper than they did in the previous contest as they seek to avoid falling into a dangerous 1-3 hole.  

Game time is 7:30 pm. – Rappler.com