SAN Mig wouldn’t have gone playing extra period against Air21 had it did the thing the team is known for – defense.
Import Marqus Blakely chided the Mixers for allowing the Express to score too many points, eventually dragging them to overtime before finding a way out to score a 113-109 win in their PBA Governors Cup match up Monday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Blakely said the defending champions gave a lot of easy baskets in the second half that paved the way for Air21’s comeback from 12-points down that even led to a brief a two-point lead in overtime.
“We take pride on (making) stops. That’s one thing we need to focus on, playing defense because I think we gave up too many points,” said the San Mig import.
“We have to get back to basics, and that’s on defense.”
Last year’s Governors Cup Best import scored 20 of his game-high 36 points in the fourth quarter and the extra period to carry the scoring load for a San Mig side that couldn’t get anything going for its local stars late in the second half.
Blakely though refused to get all the credit.
“I wouldn’t say I took over, though I hit some foul shots (in the endgame), and that definitely helped,” said the American, who also finished with 17 rebounds, seven blocks, seven assists, and three steals.
San Mig moved up to solo second spot with its 5-2 win-loss record, while keeping its bid for a Top Four finish very much alive.
However, the Mixers will be bracing for two tough opponents in Talk ‘N Text and Rain or Shine to close out their elimination round schedule.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph