Beermen bounce back, level series
Game Sunday (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 6:30 p.m. – Magnolia vs San Miguel
San Miguel Beer lost steam and composure early in the fourth quarter but regained both with heads-up play down the wire to quell Magnolia’s uprising and win pulling away with a 92-77 victory in Game Two of their PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven titular showdown last night at the MOA Arena.
Even with June Mar Fajardo effectively clipped, the Beermen put on display their lethal form to draw level with the Hotshots at 1-1 before the league takes a breather in observance of the Lenten season.
The series resumes with Game Three on Easter Sunday back at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“We’re disappointed and frustrated the last time. The guys came back to show their pride,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria.
“We’re able to adjust to the kind of defense they’re throwing at June Mar. Most of the supporting cast worked hard and contributed. And we’re happy to tie the series before the Holy Week break. Mahirap pumunta sa break at 0-2,” Austria also said.
Arwind Santos produced the offensive firepower as he led the Beermen in their fightback from their heartbreaking 103-105 loss in Game One with a 24-point explosion marked by a career-high six three-pointers.
“We’re the titleholder. They’re trying to grab our crown. We just showed we’re determined to hold on to it,” said Santos.
Marcio Lassiter, Alex Cabagnot and Chris Ross also stepped up as the Beermen overcame Magnolia’s good defensive job on Fajardo, leading by as many as 21 points, 71-50.
“Same thing from last game, Magnolia waged a fourth-quarter rally. But credit to my players, they really didn’t want to lose this game,” said Austria.
The Hotshots did wage a fightback but couldn’t get closer than seven, 68-75.
From that count, Santos, Fajardo, Ross and Lassiter teamed up in a 10-to-nothing run as the Beermen broke the game open again at 85-68.
Lassiter fired four three-pointers and finished with 16 markers, Cabagnot piled up 15 points, eight assists and five rebounds while Ross turned in 10 dish-offs, five points, four rebounds and two steals.
Magnolia was so effective on its clampdown defense on Fajardo in the first half that it limited the SMB behemoth to two points on 1-of-3 clip. Fajardo, however, still finished with a double-double game with 12 points and 13 rebounds. The scores: SAN MIGUEL 92 – Santos 24, Lassiter 16, Cabagnot 15, Fajardo 12, Heruela 10, Ganuelas-Rosser 6, Ross 5, Mamaril 4, De Ocampo 0, Vigil 0.
MAGNOLIA 77 – Barroca 18, Lee 13, Sangalang 11, Ramos 7, Dela Rosa 7, Jalalon 6, Reavis 4, Pascual 4, Brondial 3, Simon 2, Herndon 2, Mendoza 0.
Quarterscores: 19-17, 48-35, 75-57, 92-77.