CJ PEREZ and Juami Tiongson rescued San Miguel with crucial shots in the end game to defeat NLEX, 98-89, on Saturday at the start of its PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup campaign at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Perez and Tiongson scored key baskets to break an 85-85 tie after an NLEX rally, as San Miguel’s redemption tour following their early exit in the Commissioner’s Cup last conference started win a win.
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Perez finished the game with 28 points on 11 of 21 shooting from the field while also contributing four rebounds, for assists, two steals, and a block.
Tiongson had 17 points including a three-ball to break the deadlock at the 1:27 mark, before Perez made two free throws to make it a 90-85 ballgame.
June Mar Fajardo had 13 points and 11 rebounds, as Don Trollano wound up with 12 points for the Beermen, who led by as many as 15 points.
Perez and Tiongson hit timely shots for San Miguel after NLEX was able to limit Fajardo’s touches in the end game.
“We have a game plan with regards to the end game but NLEX took care of our offense because of their scouting and June Mar wasn’t able to take a lot of shots because of the defense,” said SMB coach Leo Austria.
“Everybody knows that in the end game, we will go to June Mar… But give credit to NLEX, they were down by 15 points and they were able to get back. ‘Yan ‘yung sakit namin before na when we are leading, nagre-relax,” said Austria.
Michael Miranda added 15 points including two four pointers that kept NLEX in the game in the final seconds. Robert Bolick added 12 points and eight assists although he shot 2 of 11 from the field.
The scores:
San Miguel 98 – Perez 28, Tiongson 17, Fajardo 13, Trollano 12, Lassiter 8, Teng 6, Cahilig 6, Tautuaa 6, Brondial 2, Rosales 0, Ross 0.
NLEX 89 – Miranda 15, Bolick 12, Mocon 11, Torres 11, Bahio 10, Ramirez 8, Alas 8, Herndon 7, Semerad 3, Nieto 2, Valdez 2, Rodger 0.
Quarters: 28-20; 55-43; 75-65; 98-89.
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