PBA: San Miguel survives Ginebra comeback in Dubai

MANILA, October 27 ------ The San Miguel Beermen spoiled the comeback hopes of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Dubai for an 83-81 win in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Coca-Cola Arena.

June Mar Fajardo steered San Miguel to its second win in four games, with the nine-time MVP posting 17 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks, while Kris Rosales stepped up in crunch time with two crucial three-pointers to complete his seven markers. “Medyo siksik yung schedule namin, pero nagawa pa rin namin yung game plan namin para makuha yung panalo,” said Fajardo, whose squad almost squandered a 14-point lead. “Kaya salamat sa mga pumunta at sa mga nasa Dubai. Alam namin ang mga sakripisyo niyo, at mag-ingat kayo dito,” added the Cebuano star.

As San Miguel was protecting an 83-81 lead in the last 3.7 seconds, Ginebra stole the ball from the inbounds play, but Scottie Thompson missed his long-range shot that could have won them the game. Japeth Aguilar led Ginebra with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists, Abarrientos caught fire with 17 markers, seven boards, and four dimes, while Thompson flirted with a triple-double to the tune of 15 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Unfortunately for Ginebra, these went for naught as the crowd's darlings absorbed their third loss in four games so far.

The Scores:

San Miguel 83 – Fajardo 17, Perez 10, Tiongson 10, Calma 10, Rosales 8, Trollano 7, Teng 6, Lassiter 5, Tautuaa 4, Ross 3, Cahilig 3, Brondial 0.

Barangay Ginebra 81 – Aguilar 20, Abarrientos 17, Thompson 15, Holt 9, Rosario 6, Torres 6, David 5, Pinto 2, Estil 1, Gray 0.

Quarterscores: 24–16, 40–30, 61–53, 83–81.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com