Marcio Lassiter set the tone early in San Miguel’s 124-116 conquest of an upset-seeking NLEX to snap out of a two-game funk in the 2022-23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The veteran gunner fired six three-pointers for 18 points in the first quarter alone, powering the Beermen’s splendid 43-point start into the match which they rode en route to their first win without the recovering June Mar Fajardo.
He went on to finish with 22 points, one of six players who scored in double figures in the victory that hiked their card to 2-3 in the standings.
“Just being aggressive,” said the 35-year-old Lassiter. “Every night, I’m just trying to come in, look for my shots. Thankfully my teammates are always passing the ball really well, coaches design great plays.”
Devon Scott top-scored for San Miguel with 26 points, alongside 10 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in his second game since replacing Diamond Stone. Vic Manuel produced a conference-high 22 points.
CJ Perez provided 16 points and six rebounds. Jericho Cruz made 15 markers on 6-of-8 shooting while Mo Tautuaa chipped in 14 markers.
“It’s a matter of mindset for the players,” said head coach Leo Austria. “It’s really tough for us replacing an import because of the adjustments, and winning without June Mar … But I always tell them that we have to fight.”
San Miguel will try to string together wins when it takes on NorthPort (3-3) on Wednesday, October 26, 5:45 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
NLEX’s loss, on the other hand, spoiled the effort of Earl Clark, who finished with monster numbers of 40 points and 25 rebounds.
The former NBA cager tried to lead a fightback late, nailing a trey to bring his team to within three, 112-109, with 3:53 left. But the Beermen were quick to respond with eight straigt points to put the game away.
Also wasted by the defeat was the 23-point outing of Justin Chua, as well as the 21 of Don Trollano — both conference-high performances.
Failing to sustain their winning ways after stunning TNT the last time out, the Road Warriors will have the luxury of respite before looking to bounce back against Converge on November 5, 4:30 p.m. also in Antipolo.
The Scores:
San Miguel 124 – Scott 26, Lassiter 22, Manuel 22, Perez 16, Cruz 15, Perez 14, Herndon 6, Ross 3, Enciso 0, Brondial 0.
NLEX 116 – Clark 40, Chua 23, Trollano 21, Nieto 12, Alas 10, Fonacier 3, Miranda 3, Varilla 2, Ganuelas-Rosser 2, Rosales 0.
Quarterscores: 43-35, 66-57, 95-90, 124-116
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
