SAN Miguel survived a tenacious stand by Rain or Shine, 101-98, on Friday to open their PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup semifinals series on a high note at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Beermen led for the most part of Game One but didn't breathe easy until Rain or Shine guard Andrei Caracut missed a long straight-away three-pointer in the game's final possession.
June Mar Fajardo led the way with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks for the Beermen, who will go for a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series on Sunday, also at MOA Arena.
The Beermen struggled to put the Elasto Painters away even after leading by eight points, 97-89, with four minutes remaining in the game.
“Tonight, it was really good (win) but we have to minimize our turnovers,” said San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent. “We had 16. That’s a lot for a team. They took advantage of that."
Fajardo had 15 points in the third quarter as Rain or Shine’s bigs dealt with foul trouble while guarding the seven-time PBA MVP. Beau Belga got five fouls and rookie Keith Datu four.
'Let's go to June Mar'
“We have to take advantage of what we have. We have June Mar. We have to evolve through him. He is doing great making this teammates better. That was the game plan, to give the ball to June Mar and their big guys getting into foul trouble,” said Gallent.
Don Trollano had 17 points and six rebounds, while Marcio Lassiter added 16 points while shooting 4-of-6 from three-point range.
Gian Mamuyac topscored for Rain or Shine with 20 points while also hauling seven rebounds, as Belga collected 17 points in the defeat.
Belga had nine points in the third quarter, all from threes including one that gave Rain or Shine a 55-53 lead before San Miguel turned to Fajardo at the post.
The scores:
San Miguel 101 – Fajardo 23, Trollano 17, Lassiter 16, Romeo 14, Perez 13, Tautuaa 7, Brondial 6, Teng 3, Cruz 2, Enciso 0, Ross 0.
Rain or Shine 98 – Mamuyac 20, Belga 17, Clarito 13, Santillan 13, Caracut 9, Datu 6, Demusis 6, Borboran 5, Ildefonso 4, Asistio 3, Norwood 2, Nocum 0, Paredes 0.
Quarters: 31-24; 49-44; 82-77; 101-98.
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