A TEST OF WILL, RESILIENCE

It's all even in the greater scheme of things but in the first two games of the PBA Philippine Cup finals, TNT, having difficulty finishing, lost the fourth-quarter hostilities to San Miguel Beer each time.

- By OLMIN LEYBA

In Game 1, Tropang 5G were outscored by San Miguel Beer in the final canto, 14-30, but managed to hold on to a 99-96 victory, gaining from their 24-point cushion early on.

It was repeated in the second game, where SMB outplayed the grand slam hunters in the last 12 minutes, 23-18, en route to a series-tying 98-92 verdict.

And now as the two fierce rivals go on a tug-ofwar in tonight's tie-breaking Game 3, it's imperative for the Tropang 5G to address this issue and find ways to close out strong.

Otherwise, the Beermen will be quick to pounce again.