Tropa one win away from finals

MANILA, Philippines — Just like in their two previous semifinal duels in the PBA Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s Cup, TNT is off to a commanding 3-1 lead against Rain or Shine.

The Tropang 5G made sure this trend continues in the season-ending Philippine Cup Final Four series as they hacked out a 108-92 rout in last night’s Game 4 at the MOA Arena.

And so the Chot Reyes-coached squad is now in good position to finish off the Elasto Painters in five games for the third consecutive time in Season 49 tomorrow and with a finals ticket, take a step closer to the coveted grand slam.

With RR Pogoy still unfit to play due to hamstring issues and Kelly Williams taking the exit in the first half with a sprained ankle, shorthanded TNT did things by committee.

Jordan Heading rifled in 23 spiked by three triples to go with six assists, Brandon Rosser produced a 22-11 double-double and Glen Khobuntin and Calvin Oftana had matching 16s.

Meanwhile, June Mar Fajardo is back in his starting role and San Miguel Beer is back in business against Barangay Ginebra.

With Fajardo feeling better from his nagging calf injury and his teammates taking advantage of his longer presence in Game 4, the Beermen secured a 107-82 series equalizer.

Logging nearly 32 minutes after limited times of 17 and 27 off the bench in the last two games, JMF hauled down 19 rebounds to go with 12 points and three rebounds in leading SMB’s effort to tie the race-to-four at 2-2.