MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer bounced back in the 49th PBA Philippine Cup Finals with a hard-earned 98–92 victory over TNT Tropang Giga in Game Two on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, tying the best-of-seven series at 1-1.

The Beermen recovered from a stinging Game One loss, which ended in controversy after Mo Tautuaa’s dunk was disallowed following a review, resulting in a narrow 99–96 defeat.

Don Trollano led San Miguel with 22 points, including a crucial fourth-quarter surge that helped the Beermen withstand a late-game push by TNT. Chris Ross anchored the defense, collecting three of his four steals in the final period to power a 12-3 San Miguel run that broke a 77-all tie and turned it into an 89–80 lead.

Ironically, it was Tautuaa—whose nullified dunk became a major talking point in Game One—who sealed the win with a wide-open layup from a Ross assist, this time without any review to interrupt the moment. Tautuaa finished with 16 points.

June Mar Fajardo also came through for San Miguel, delivering 17 points and nine rebounds, while Ross contributed across the board with seven points, four rebounds, seven assists, and four steals.

“We’ve been through adversity and we know what to do,” said San Miguel head coach Leo Austria, alluding to the team’s composure after the Game One heartbreak.

The Beermen had a strong start, leading 51–39 at halftime, boosted by Jeron Teng’s 10 first-half points.

TNT mounted a fierce comeback in the third quarter, outscoring San Miguel 35–24, thanks in large part to Calvin Oftana’s 13-point explosion in the period. Oftana finished with 23 points, while Jordan Heading chipped in 15 and Kelly Williams added 11 points and eight rebounds.

However, TNT’s momentum took a hit when key big man Poy Erram exited the game with an ankle sprain and did not return in the second half.

With the series now tied, both teams will aim to gain the upper hand in Game Three, scheduled for Friday at the same venue.