San Miguel erupted in jubilation when Marcio Lassiter beat the buzzer and gave his side a 98-96 win Wednesday, completing a comeback of epic proportions and tying their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal battle versus TNT at a game apiece.
Head coach Leo Austria couldn’t feel more proud seeing the 34-year-old score the game-winner, given what happened in the series opener last Sunday.
“I’m happy for him dahil na-redeem niya ang sarili niya,” said the decorated mentor moments after the match at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor.
The veteran sniper had a chance to win it for the Beermen in Game One, which would’ve capped off their rally from 12 points down successfully. However, Roger Pogoy prevented him from doing so.
But three days later, it was finally mission accomplished for Lassiter, leaving the Tropang Giga in shock as they lost a 19-point lead.
The final play was actually intended for June Mar Fajardo, according to the champion mentor. And that was evident in the final play as he sealed deep and attacked Troy Rosario, but missed his jump hook.
“Ang first option namin is June Mar. Next is Terrence. But June Mar was able to have the ball. It was a good ball for him, but he missed,” Austria said.
Arwind Santos tried to tip it back in, and missed as well. But thankfully, Lassiter was in the right place at the right time. He hauled down the miss from underneath before banking it in, leading to his teammates’ eruption.
“Yun yung tinatawag na sense of urgency, because of experience.
“That possession was important, and we’re lucky that he converted at the right time,” said Austria, who’s been calling the shots for SMB since 2014.
It was also Lassiter who put his side up earlier, 94-93. He calmly sank both of his free throws off Roger Pogoy’s foul with 23.5 seconds on the clock.
Lassiter did not have gaudy numbers, only finishing with seven points and eight rebounds. But that hardly mattered since the win meant so much more.
“We’re not lucky in Game One but today, it’s for Marcio,” said Austria.
“Na-redeem niya ‘yung kanyang sarili on his last shot.”
