TNT vs San Miguel Game 2 Highlights: Key Plays and Final Score Analysis

Watching Game 2 of the TNT versus San Miguel series felt like witnessing a chess match where both grandmasters decided to throw the rulebook out the window. I’ve covered dozens of PBA matchups over the years, but this one had an extra layer of intrigue—partly because of the stakes, and partly because of the fresh energy brought by Johnedel Cardel, who, just days earlier, had notched his first win as the newly appointed head coach of Titan Ultra. You could feel that momentum spilling over into this game, and as someone who’s followed Cardel’s career closely, I wasn’t entirely surprised by how things unfolded. The final score read 98-94 in favor of TNT, but that barely scratches the surface of what was a rollercoaster of strategic shifts, emotional swings, and clutch performances.

Right from tip-off, TNT came out with an aggressive defensive scheme that seemed designed to disrupt San Miguel’s rhythm. They forced three turnovers in the first five minutes alone, and by the end of the first quarter, they’d built a 28-20 lead. I’ve always believed that early momentum can dictate the entire tone of a playoff game, and TNT’s coaching staff clearly shared that view. On the flip side, San Miguel looked slightly out of sync—their ball movement wasn’t as crisp as we’ve come to expect, and they shot just 38% from the field in the opening period. One play that stood out to me was Jayson Castro’s steal and transition layup around the 7:30 mark. It wasn’t just the two points; it was the statement it made. Castro, at 36 years old, moved with the urgency of a rookie, and that kind of leadership is something you can’t teach.

As the game progressed into the second quarter, San Miguel began to claw their way back, largely thanks to June Mar Fajardo’s dominance in the paint. Fajardo finished the half with 16 points and 9 rebounds, and at one point, San Miguel even took a brief lead, 45-43, with about four minutes left before halftime. But here’s where TNT’s depth really shone through. RR Pogoy, who ended the night with 22 points, hit back-to-back three-pointers to swing the momentum right back. I’ve said it before—Pogoy is one of the most underrated shooters in the league, and in high-pressure moments, he delivers more often than not. What impressed me even more, though, was TNT’s ability to adapt. They switched to a smaller, faster lineup midway through the quarter, and it paid off instantly. It reminded me of the strategic flexibility we saw from Cardel’s Titan Ultra squad in his debut—a willingness to experiment and trust role players in big spots.

The third quarter was where the game truly turned into a battle of attrition. Both teams traded baskets, but neither could pull away by more than four points. San Miguel’s Chris Ross was everywhere on defense, tallying 4 steals by the end of the period, while TNT’s Mikey Williams quietly put together a stellar all-around performance, finishing with 19 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. I’ll be honest—I’ve criticized Williams in the past for being too passive at times, but tonight, he played with a fire I haven’t seen in a while. His pull-up jumper with 2:15 left in the third gave TNT a 70-68 edge, and you could feel the intensity ratchet up. Defensively, TNT started double-teaming Fajardo more aggressively, and while it opened up some outside looks for San Miguel, the Beermen couldn’t capitalize consistently. They shot just 6-of-20 from beyond the arc all game, and in a matchup this tight, those misses add up.

When the fourth quarter began, TNT held a narrow 76-74 lead, and you could feel the tension in every possession. This is where championship experience—or the lack thereof—often shows. San Miguel, with their veteran core, stayed composed and even took an 85-82 lead with about seven minutes left. But TNT’s response was nothing short of impressive. They went on an 8-0 run over the next three minutes, fueled by defensive stops and unselfish ball movement. Kelly Williams, who’s been in the league forever it seems, made a huge block on Fajardo that led to a fast-break dunk by Castro. That sequence, in my opinion, was the game-changer. It wasn’t just about the points; it was about energy. TNT outrebounded San Miguel 48-42 overall, and those extra possessions mattered down the stretch.

As the clock wound down, San Miguel had chances to close the gap, but TNT’s defense held firm. The final two minutes were a masterclass in closing out a game—TNT milked the clock, moved the ball, and hit their free throws when it counted. Castro’s two free throws with 15 seconds left essentially sealed it, putting TNT up 96-91. San Miguel’s last-gasp three-point attempt rimmed out, and that was that. Final score: 98-94. Looking back, I think TNT’s win wasn’t just about talent; it was about mentality. They played like a team that believed they could weather any storm, and that self-belief, combined with smart adjustments, made the difference. It’s the same kind of confidence I saw in Cardel’s debut with Titan Ultra—a reminder that sometimes, a fresh voice on the sidelines can ignite something special.

In the end, this game wasn’t just another playoff matchup—it was a statement. TNT showed they can win in multiple ways, whether it’s through offensive firepower or gritty defense. For San Miguel, there’s plenty to clean up, particularly their three-point shooting and late-game execution. As a longtime observer of the PBA, I’d say this series is far from over, but if TNT can maintain this level of play, they’ll be tough to beat. Personally, I’m excited to see how both teams adjust in Game 3. Will San Miguel find their shooting touch? Can TNT’s role players keep stepping up? One thing’s for sure—I’ll be watching closely, and if Game 2 was any indication, we’re in for a classic series.