GOING FOR JUGULAR

Game today:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

7:30 p.m. — TNT vs San Miguel

San Miguel Beer tries to write the closing chapter of its Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup title showdown against the TNT Tropang 5G in Game 5 today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Sporting a commanding 3-1 best-of-seven series lead, the Beermen go for the jugular at 7:30 p.m.

Only one more victory stands between San Miguel and the completion of the franchise’s pursuit for a 30th title overall — as well as a second denial of the Tropang 5G’s grand slam aspirations since raining on their parade in 2011.

Momentum — and the blessing of a relatively still healthy lineup — is definitely on the Beermen’s side after winning three straight games following a controversial Game 1 loss.

San Miguel claimed its last two games by an average winning margin of 17 points.

But even with an overwhelming advantage, thinking that the Tropang 5G is already done would be a big mistake.

“Hopefully, we’ll get it on Wednesday,” San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo said of a potential 11th all-local crown of the club clincher.

“But we know how good Talk ‘N Text is. Of course, they will try to bounce back. But we’ll also try to win and close (the series),” added the now 12-time Best Player of the Conference.

Fajardo, who is averaging double-double in the series, will be the focal point of the Beermen’s offense. San Miguel looks to take advantage of his imposing presence down low just like in the previous matches.

Jericho Cruz, who was the catalyst in San Miguel’s fourth quarter pull away in Game 4 with his long-range shooting, remains a threat in a talented Beermen roster alongside CJ Perez, Don Trollano, Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter and Juami Tiongson.

San Miguel coach Leo Austria doesn’t see am ailing and aching TNT lineup but a formidable foe ready to fight no matter what.

As if playing without the Finals Most Valuable Player of the first two conferences in veteran guard Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac weren’t difficult enough, the Tropang 5G are running limp in the season-ending tournament.

RR Pogoy is still nursing a hamstring injury, big men Kelly Williams and Poy Erram are both playing through pain of sprained ankles while backup guard Simon Enciso is out with a fractured right orbital bone. Jordan Heading is still dealing with back issues.

But even with health concerns, the Tropang 5G has been showing grit albeit losing steam in the end due to the physical toll.

“Whether they have injuries or not, they keep on fighting hard,” Austria said, citing how TNT kept Game 4 close until the last eight minutes.

There’s still hope for the Tropang 5G, though.

TNT after all has already overcome lots of adversities in the playoffs. The Tropang 5G booted out twice-to-beat Magnolia in the quarterfinals before eliminating a highly physical and young Rain or Shine in the semifinals in six grueling matches.

But TNT should take care of the ball first after averaging 17 turnovers per game in the first four outings — an equivalent of 25 turnover points for San Miguel per game.

And most importantly, keep its head up and fight.

Game 6, if necessary, is on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.