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San Miguel Beermen and TNT KaTropa will battle a fierce battle at the start of Sunday's best-of-seven championship series for the 2019 PBA Commissioner's Cup crown.
Beermen and KaTropa will meet at 6:30 pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. It was two years ago when San Miguel and TNT clashed in the PBA Finals and it took place at the same conference.
The Beermen won the series, 4-2, but this time KaTropa lifted their lead slightly. First, TNT finished No. 1 spot after the eliminations as San Miguel Beer came in seventh place.
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They include TNT's 110-97 win over San Miguel Beer in their June 8 game at Ynares Center, Antipolo City. KaTropa also played a dominant role in ousting defending champion Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in their semifinals series, 3-1.
Beermen had to come up with three wins to defeat the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in their semis matchup.
San Miguel Beer will also claim the second straight title after reigning in the Philippine Cup for the fifth straight year and if they win the current conference again it will be their chance to win the second Grand Slam of the franchise.
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In total, San Miguel Beer holds the league-best 25 championships in the PBA compared to TNT's nine. It is also the 42nd Finals appearance of San Miguel Beer which is also a PBA record. Four times San Miguel Beer and TNT clashed in a championship series and the Beermen won to a 3-1 victory.
San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria will continue to count on Chris McCullough, Chris Ross, Alex Cabagnot, Christian Standhardinger, Arwind Santos and five-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo to win their series.
TNT mentors Bong Ravena will support Terrence Jones, Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy, Brian Heruela, Don Trollano and Troy Rosario to advance to the championship.