KIA nearly blew a seven-point lead in the final minutes but held on for a 78-75 win over San Miguel in a PBA preseason game at the Claret School Gym on Tuesday.
Jackson Corpuz led the Picanto with an all-around effort of 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, four steals, and two blocks. Philip Paniamogan added 11 markers.
But it was Rashawn McCarthy's defensive stop which keyed the victory after the former Beerman swatted away a breakaway layup by Arwind Santos that would have tied the game at 77-all.
The Beermen forced Kia to commit a 24-second violation but Chris Ross, Alex Cabagnot, and Santos missed three-point tries in the ensuing plays while Glenn Khobuntin made a split for Kia for the final score.
Marcio Lassiter paced the Beermen with 16 points in the absence of June Mar Fajardo and Yancy De Ocampo (both rested) and the injured Gabby Espinas.
Cabagnot and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser had 15 and 10, respectively, for the Beermen.
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