WATCH: San Miguel vs Rain or Shine Closing Moments [PBA S48 Comm’s Cup | Nov. 29, 2023]

As June Mar Fajardo was slowed down by a suspected hand fracture he sustained in the third quarter, Marcio Lassiter took over the closeout chores for San Miguel Beer.

Lassiter fired all his 23 in the second half to spark the Beermen to a 115-110 victory over Rain or Shine, 115-110, in Wednesday night’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Playing only his second game back from ankle injury, Lassiter caught fire and knocked down six triples, making three of them in the final push highlighted by a pivotal long bomb that snapped a 108-standoff with 43.5 seconds left.

Coach Jorge Gallent said the Fil-Am sniper was the game-changer in SMB’s third straight win after dropping its opening assignment.

“He wasn’t able to practice for about 12 to 15 days but today he proved his worth. That’s the Marcio Lassiter we know,” said Gallent of the Fil-Am sniper.

Lassiter struggled early on, missing all three attempts from deep in the first 24 minutes. After restart, he went 6-of-6 from beyond the arc and 8-of-10 from the field.

“I thank my teammates and coaches for trusting me. My teammates found me tonight. My shots didn’t go in the first half even though I got good looks. I kept at it and once I got one, I finally got my rhythm and I kept going after that, said Lassiter.