MANILA, Philippines – TNT KaTropa seized a 1-0 lead in the 2019 PBA Commissioner's Cup finals in impressive fashion, as they routed the San Miguel Beermen 109-96 in Game 1 on Sunday.

A tight game turned into a dominant victory for TNT, thanks to an 18-0 run late in the first quarter, and the Beermen were unable to recover from there. The KaTropa had an answer for every one of their rallies, particularly in the third period when June Mar Fajardo took over for SMB.

Their poise in the face of San Miguel's comeback attempts cheered TNT point guard Jayson Castro, who noted: "During that time, parang na-control namin 'yung game, and then hindi kami na-rattle."

"Unlike before, kapag humahabol sila, nara-rattle kami," he acknowledged.

• READ: Jones has no care for personal matchup with McCullough

San Miguel has made a habit of rallying back from big deficits in their semifinal series against Rain or Shine. They memorably recovered from a 29-point hole in Game 2 of that best-of-5 series to post a 117-105 victory, before wrapping up the semis in four games.

Against TNT in Game 1, the Beermen looked as though they were getting their rhythm when Fajardo got going in the third frame. His lay-up with 48 seconds left made it a 13-point contest, 85-72, and San Miguel appeared to be gaining momentum.

But Don Trollano beat the buzzer with a lay-up, once again catching the San Miguel defense napping. The KaTropa then opened the fourth period with a 10-2 run, establishing a 97-74 lead, and the Beermen faded away from there.

"Isa lang 'yung nire-remind ko sa mga teammate ko, na 'yung composure namin versus San Miguel dapat nandun talaga, kasi any time kaya mag-explode ng team na 'yun eh," said Castro afterward. "So during that time, 'yun nga, nir-remind ko sila."

"Buti na lang, 'yun nga, na-achieve namin 'yung composure namin, naprotektahan namin 'yung lead namin, at saka na-execute naming mabuti 'yung mga plays namin," he added.

Castro was a major factor in their victory, as the veteran guard tallied 20 points while repeatedly making crucial plays in the third quarter to help his team fend off San Miguel.

But Castro is well aware that they cannot relax after a big Game 1 win against San Miguel.

"Matagal na series 'to," he said. "Let's see kung ano 'yung mga adjustment namin, at kung ano 'yung mga adjustment nila."

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.