Basketball is a game of momentum — not just for teams, but for individual players as well. Don Trollano’s performance in San Miguel Beermen’s latest PBA Philippine Cup game is a perfect testament to this. From being held scoreless in a frustrating loss to TNT Tropang Giga, Trollano bounced back with an inspired showing that helped propel San Miguel to a dominant 111-92 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters.
A Game to Forget: Trollano’s Struggles Against TNT
A week prior, Trollano experienced one of his worst games in the conference. In San Miguel’s close 89-84 defeat to TNT at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, the usually reliable veteran wingman couldn’t buy a bucket. He went 0-of-3 from the field, failed to score a single point, and finished the game with just one rebound and a steal in 14 minutes of play. It was an uncharacteristic outing for the Adamson University product, and even he struggled to explain what went wrong.
“Hindi ko rin alam, e,” Trollano admitted candidly in a post-game interview. “Siguro I was just not playing hard.”
His honesty was refreshing, but it also hinted at a renewed sense of responsibility — something that became evident in his very next game.
A Game to Remember: Trollano Shines Against Phoenix
Fast forward to Sunday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, and Trollano had a complete turnaround. Playing with a chip on his shoulder and renewed energy, he put on his best performance of the conference so far. The wingman exploded for 21 points, marking a personal high this Philippine Cup, while also contributing five rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Trollano’s most significant impact came in the second quarter, where he scored 10 of his 21 points. During this stretch, San Miguel outscored Phoenix 34-21, finally creating a separation that the Fuel Masters couldn’t recover from.
He was efficient, going 7-of-13 from the field, and looked locked in throughout the game — a sharp contrast to his previous outing.
The Mental Shift: “Just Play Hard”
What made the difference this time? According to Trollano, it all came down to mindset and urgency.
“I just played hard. Kailangan namin mag step up nung nag-struggle yung first group. The mindset is just to win,” he said.
With the Beermen’s starters struggling early, it was crucial for the bench to contribute. Trollano rose to the occasion, setting the tone with hustle plays, smart decisions, and timely scoring.
He also emphasized the importance of avoiding a second straight loss:
“We can’t afford to lose back-to-back games kasi yung standings dikit-dikit, e. So pag natalo kami, babagsak kami.”
His sense of urgency was mirrored by the rest of the team, and it showed in how the Beermen played across all four quarters.
San Miguel’s Standing: Back on Track
Thanks to their win over Phoenix, San Miguel improved their record to 4-2, grabbing solo third place in the standings. It’s a significant step forward as they aim for a strong playoff position in the highly competitive PBA Philippine Cup.
With the standings being so tight, every game counts. Trollano’s resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time — not only to boost the team’s morale, but also to keep them in a favorable position heading into the crucial stretch of the conference.
Trollano’s Role Moving Forward
Trollano’s bounce-back game serves as a reminder of the depth and potential of San Miguel’s roster. While stars like June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez often headline the team’s offense, role players like Trollano are vital for sustained success, especially during long and grueling tournaments.
His ability to step up when needed highlights the importance of veteran presence and mental toughness in professional basketball. If he can maintain this level of performance, Trollano will continue to be a valuable asset in San Miguel’s campaign.
From a scoreless night to a game-high performance, Don Trollano’s story over the past week is one of resilience and determination. His 21-point outburst against Phoenix not only helped San Miguel secure a much-needed win, but also reestablished his presence as a key contributor off the bench.
Basketball may be a team sport, but individual bounce-back stories like Trollano’s often serve as powerful examples of how grit and mindset can turn things around. As the PBA Philippine Cup continues, fans and teammates alike will be looking forward to what Trollano delivers next — because if this game is any indication, he’s just getting started.