MARCIO Lassiter buried the go-ahead three-pointer as San Miguel emerged victorious over Rain or Shine, 115-110, on Wednesday night in a nip-and-tuck 2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup clash at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Lassiter provided the heroics in only his second game of the season upon his return from injury, nailing a three-pointer while being fouled by Jhonard Clarito with 43.5 seconds left to break a 108-108 deadlock.
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Lassiter missed the bonus free throw but it proved enough as San Miguel completed its comeback from an early 13-ponit deficit to improve its record to 3-1, winning its third straight game.
Rain or Shine dropped another tight contest and fell to 0-5 to go down to the bottom of the team standings despite an import change and an impressive showing from the debuting Adrian Nocum.
Lassiter leads San Miguel
Lassiter, who played just two minutes in his season debut in SMB’s previous win over Converge in Tiaong, Quezon, wound up with 23 points, including 14 in the third quarter.
“He proved his worth,” said San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent.
Ivan Aska had 28 points and 12 rebounds despite being in foul trouble that contributed to San Miguel's early struggles that saw it trail, 27-14, in the first quarter.
CJ Perez had 17 points and 12 rebounds, while June Mar Fajardo added 16 points before hurting his left hand.
Nocum had an excellent PBA debut with Rain or Shine after signing with the team just days ago, finishing with 12 points. But the former Mapua player couldn’t make his shots in the endgame.
Demetrius Treadwell, who was brought in to replace Dajuan Summers, struggled in his first game after hitting eight points on just 4-of-12 from the field, although he grabbed 15 rebounds.
Gian Mamuyac had 33 points and kept his team in the game, but Rain or Shine still slipped to its worst start in franchise history, according to the research of PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon.
The scores:
San Miguel 115 – Aska 28, Lassiter 23, Perez 17, Fajardo 16, Cruz 10, Enciso 6, Ross 6, Bulanadi 5, Brondial 4, Tautuaa 0.
Rain or Shine 110 – Mamuyac 33, Nambatac 15, Clarito 14, Nocum 12, Caracut 9, Treadwell 8, Borboran 7, Demusis 5, Belga 3, Belo 2, Santillan 1.
Quarters: 21-32; 53-53; 85-86; 115-110.
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