PBA: Unbeaten San Miguel clips Magnolia for share of lead

Marcio Lassiter. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines-Going through a decided enemy hell-bent on getting out of a rut, San Miguel turned to its outdated reliables for a slender 100-98 victory over Magnolia, extending its profitable methods within the PBA Governor’s Cup on Sunday evening.

Marcio Lassiter had 18 factors whereas cornerstone June Mar Fajardo chipped in 16 and 10 rebounds within the tight contest at Good Araneta Coliseum in Cubao because the Beermen rose to 4-0 for a share of the convention lead.

“This was a take a look at for us. Magnolia’s a really organized staff, so this [win] was a giant sport for us because it [gives us an idea] the place we stand on this league,” stated coach Jorge Gallent, whose prices joined Converge and NLEX as early pacesetters of the third convention.

Import Cameron Clark led the best way with 19 factors and 10 rebounds, whereas fellow starters CJ Perez and Simon Enciso chipped in twin-digit scores rounded out by Jericho Cruz’s 13 off the bench.

“Everyone stepped up—whomever I put within the sport. They provide their 110 % even when they know that they’d solely play 5 to seven minutes,” added Gallent.

Magnolia’s trio of Paul Lee, Jio Jalalon, and Mark Barroca saved their sister staff inside arm’s attain late within the sport. All of them had not less than 13 factors within the stand.

Calvin Abueva introduced Magnolia to inside two, 100-98, with 18 ticks remaining.

Lee’s triple would’ve received it for the Hotshots, however with San Miguel defenders denying him a transparent look, the defensive membership had no alternative however to accept a 3rd straight loss in as many video games.

Erik McCree solely had 13 factors and eight rebounds in what’s shaping up as his final sport with Magnolia.

San Miguel shoots for a fifth-straight win in opposition to 3-1 Meralco this Thursday, whereas Magnolia will attempt to cease the bleeding in opposition to 1-4 Phoenix this Friday.