The TNT KaTropa took the best-of-seven Finals series opener against the San Miguel Beermen, 109-96.
It’s the Terrence Jones factor propelled the Talk ‘N Text to victory.
Without wasting time, Terrence Jones and the rest of the KaTropa made their scoring rampage in the first quarter.
Jones himself poured 16 points in the opening period and a commanding 35-19 advantage after that quarter.
In the second period, the TNT onslaught continues still behind their import’s stellar performance.
The former Houston Rockets forward flirted a triple-double performance with his 41 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists production.
The Beermen had a surprising starting lineup in this Game 1 battle. Instead of June Mar Fajardo, they have fielded Christian Standhardinger probably to match the athleticism of Jones.
However, instead the KaTropa will get shocked because of that move, TNT had no problem executing their offense.
In the third quarter, SMB head coach Leo Austria made an adjustment and unleashed his “Kraken” to be the point of their offense.
It worked for some time as they trimmed the large deficit of KaTropa down to 13 but that was the closest they can go.
In the final period, TNT pressed harder as their lead went as high as 23 and never looked back.
San Miguel will have two days to draw a new strategy for them to tie the series while the KaTropa will probably use those days to polish their basketball plans and take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
The Beermen and TNT will return on Wednesday for Game 2.
Terrence Jones Flushes It Down With Authority
Talk ‘N Text vs San Miguel Game 1 Finals Box Score
Quarters: 35-19 | 50-42 | 87-72 | 109-96
KaTropa (109) – Jones 41, Castro 20, Rosario 16, Pogoy 13, Trollano 11, Heruela 5, Reyes 3, Washington 0, Taha 0, Carey 0, Semerad D. 0, Casino 0, Magat 0
Beermen (96) – McCullough 33, Fajardo 23, Romeo 11, Standhardinger 10, Ross 7, Santos 5, Cabagnot 3, Pessumal 2, Zamar 2, Nabong 0