San Miguel's Don Trollano in action. PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – Don Trollano let his frustrations known after a controversial conclusion to Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
Trollano turned his anger into production, stuffing the stat sheet with 22 points and six rebounds in San Miguel's bounce back win over TNT in Game 2, 98-92, on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The SMB forward admitted to having a sleepless night due to the overwhelming emotions after that dramatic match to open the championship round.
"Nung nangyari 'yon, actually, siyempre galit kami, eh. I think we're about to win, and siyempre nangyari 'yon," he expressed after the game.
"Actually hindi rin ako nakatulog, eh. I'm so eager to bounce back."
He spearheaded a late charge by the Beermen, at the time when their lead was trimmed down, as the Tropang 5G tied at 77-apiece early in the fourth canto, squandering a 51-39 halftime lead.
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He sank the baskets that ultimately spelled the difference, helping the Beermen install a 94-84 cushion—a lead big enough to withstand the Tropang 5G's final attempt at a comeback.
"Yeah, we bounced back tonight," Trollano said, expressing relief as they regained their winning ways.
Trollano earned not just the Best Player of the Game nod, but also admiration from his coach, Leo Austria, who sat by him during the postgame interview, sharing what he observed on the Adamson University product.
"Makikita mo naman sa body language niya, eh. Unlike in a practice na tawa-tawa lang siya eh; makikita mo tonight, seryoso siya eh."