San Miguel bucked the absence of import Dez Wells as it withstood Blackwater in overtime, 99-96, in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup, Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
The Beermen lost an 88-79 lead late in regulation and went down 90-92 early in the extra period. Fortunately, June Mar Fajardo, Marcio Lassiter, and Terrence Romeo then came through to avert the collapse.
The trio joined forces for an 8-0 run to give San Miguel the 98-92 lead with 1:08 left to play. That then proved to be enough for the Grand Slam seekers to snap their two-game funk.
“For us, it’s nice to bounce back after two losses. Even though it was an ugly game, a win is a win,” said coach Leo Austria.
Reigning five-time league MVP Fajardo set the pace for the Beermen with 30 points and 13 rebounds in the victory that hiked their card to 6-3, which assures them of a quarterfinal berth.
Romeo produced 20 points. Arwind Santos had 13 points and nine boards, while Lassiter added 11 markers
San Miguel did not have Wells since he has yet to fully recover from the ankle injury he sustained during the Beermen’s match versus the Meralco Bolts last October 27, which they lost, 99-125.
Mac Belo, who had just signed a 16.2 million-peso extension, led Blackwater with 25 points and eight rebounds.
Marqus Blakely had 25 points and 18 rebounds. New acquisition Don Trollano made 14 points and eight boards. Meanwhile, KG Cañaleta chimed in 13 markers in the loss that sent the Elite to 2-8.
San Miguel will next face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (2-7) on Saturday, November 9, in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. Meanwhile, Blackwater will play the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters (2-6) on November 15, Friday, at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
San Miguel 99 – Fajardo 30, Romeo 20, Santos 13, Lassiter 11, Cabagnot 8, Pessumal 7, Nabong 6, Tautuaa 4, Rosser 0, Ross 0.
Blackwater 96 – Belo 25, Blakely 24, Trollano 14, Canaleta 13, Cruz 8, Javier 6, Tolomia 4, Sumang 2, Dario 0, Desiderio 0, Cruz 0, Al-Hussaini 0, Salem 0.
Quarterscores: 11-16, 34-37, 64-62, 88-88, 99-96.
