WATCH: Rodney Brondial Highlights [San Miguel vs Magnolia | June 17, 2022]

San Miguel withstood Magnolia’s last-ditch attempts to reclaim the lead and held on to an 87-81 victory, Friday night in the elimination round of the PBA Season 47 Philippine Cup at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

The Beermen, who trailed during the first three quarters, picked up their third win in three starts while the Hotshots absorbed their third setback against a solitary win.

“We were able to survive against a very cohesive, energetic team,” said SMB coach Leo Austria during the post-game press conference.

I’m so happy that even though June Mar didn’t play well in the first half because they had a good game plan against him, in the end, we shot important baskets,” he added.

Already without flamboyant guard Terrence Romeo, the flagship team of the SMC group lost forward Vic Manuel and veteran playmaker Chris Ross in injuries in the second quarter.

Mo Tautuaa paced the Beermen with 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting from the field to go with 5 boards and an assist in 26 minutes of play. CJ Perez added a double-double of 15 points, a game-high 12 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal and 2 blocks.

Main man June Mar Fajardo was held to 14 markers and 6 rebounds in 40 minutes of action. The 6-foot-10 Cebuano also committed 6 turnovers.

Marcio Lassiter, who was recognized for being the 8th member of the league’s 1,000-three pointers made club during halftime, added 10 points – the same output of Jericho Cruz and Rodney Brondial.

The Beermen take a one-week break before clashing with Brgy. Ginebra on Sunday, June 24 at the same venue.