Beermen overpower Bossing for third straight win
San Miguel leaned on a big third quarter to dispose of skidding Blackwater, 99-80, in the elimination round of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup, Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
After blowing a double-digit advantage in the second period, the Beermen exploded for 30 points in the pivotal third frame to take the fight out of Bossing who absorbed their 4th defeat in 4 outings.
June Mar Fajardo displayed his best game so far after completely missing the ‘Bubble Season’ by scoring 16 points in 23 minutes of play. The league’s one and only 6-time Most Valuable Player also contributed 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks for the Leo Austria-mentored squad who have now won three straight games after dropping their season-opener to Meralco.
“We know from the start that this game will not be an easy game for us,” said SMB coach Leo Austria. “Nakita namin natin in the first half. We were leading by just one point. We were able to get the lead in double figures but wipe out agad ito saglit lang dahil we know that Blackwater is trying hard to exert some effort. They showed it this afternoon.”
“My veterans stepped up, especially Alex, and Arwind Santos. With the support of the bench, na-sustain namin ‘yung lead namin in the second half. I think it’s a collective effort on the part of the team, and I’m happy for the second group,” he added.
CJ Perez added 14 points while Marcio Lassiter, Alex Cabagnot and Paul Zamar chipped in 13, 12 and 11 markers apiece, respectively. Von Pessumal and Arwind Santos finished with 10 points each with the latter also contributing 12 boards and 5 assists, both team-highs.
The Beermen return to action on Sunday, August 1 to take on defending champion Brgy. Ginebra.
The scores:
San Miguel 99 – Fajardo 16, Perez 14, Lassiter 13, Cabagnot 12, Zamar 11, Pessumal 10, Santos 10, Ross 5, Gotladera 2, Comboy 2, Gamalinda 2, Tautuaa 2, Sena 0.
Blackwater 80 – Enciso 25, Tolomia 12, Nabong 12, Daquioag 9, Desiderio 5, Escoto 5, Canaleta 4, Amer 4, Magat 2, Acuno 2, Paras 0, Semerad 0, Dennison 0, Torralba 0.
Quarterscores: 20-11, 39-38, 69-53, 99-80.
