The San Miguel Beermen blew a 19-point lead, but managed to elude the upset axe wielded by the NorthPort Batang Pier, 114-107, to collect their third straight win in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup, Wednesday night at Cuneta Astrodome.
The Beermen are now above .500 with the victory, as they improved to 5-4. The win was also a fitting way to welcome reigning four-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, who suited up for the Beermen, though he did not play.
“I know from the start this won’t be an easy game. We’re thinking Global still has a chance, although very slim. Lumalaban sila hanggang huli – kita naman natin kanina,” said San Miguel head coach Leo Austria.
Import Kevin Murphy led San Miguel with 27 points, seven assists, and four rebounds. Christian Standhardinger posted a 20-20 outing of 21 points and 22 rebounds, while Alex Cabagnot made 17 markers, five caroms, and five dimes.
The match was already expected to be a one-sided affair all the way to the end when the Beermen posted a huge 19-point cushion, 76-57, after a Chris Ross bucket with about eight minutes remaining in the third chapter. But the Batang Pier hit their shots after that, and come the fourth quarter, they were able to tie the game up at 94-all with over seven minutes to go after sophomore guard Jonathan Grey produced five straight points.
That set up a tight battle between the two, until the Beermen showed poise come the closing moments. After NorthPort got within a point, 107-108, with 1:41 left, SMB responded with six straight points to deal the final blow.
But as much as their character proved unmatched with the win, Austria wasn’t satisfied with the way they played.
“After winning two big games against Phoenix and TNT, we’re relaxed eh. Defense namin is not that strong,” said the reigning Coach of the Year. “We didn’t good defense except in the last two possessions – we’re able to stop them.”
Marcio Lassiter had 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists, and Ross added 14 in the win.
Sean Anthony had 24 points, five rebounds, and four dimes to set the pace for NorthPort, who are now the second team to be kicked out of playoff contention next to Columbian Dyip, as they dropped to 2-8.
Stanley Pringle had 21 points, nine boards, and five dimes, while Grey finished with 18 markers, five rebounds, and four assists.
San Miguel will next play the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters this Saturday, October 27, in Biñan, Laguna, while NorthPort will play their final game of the conference on Sunday, October 28, versus the Alaska Aces.
The Scores:
San Miguel 114 – Murphy 27, Standhardinger 21, Cabagnot 17, Lassiter 16, Ross 14, Santos 7, Nabong 7, De Ocampo 5, Rosser 0, Heruela 0.
Northport 107 – Anthony 24, Pringle 21, Grey 18, Woods 14, Elorde 6, Tautuaa 6, Espinas 4, Gabayni 4, Arana 3, Javelona 3, Guinto 2, Flores 2, Fortuna 0.
Quarterscores: 24-19, 58-52, 88-79, 114-107.
