Beermen escape in OT, level semis series with Gin Kings

The resurgence of Terrence Romeo was a sight to behold as he spearheaded San Miguel’s exhilarating 131-125 overtime victory over Barangay Ginebra, evening their PBA Governors Cup semifinals series at one game apiece.

The 32-year-old, a three-time scoring champion, electrified the crowd by scoring seven consecutive points, including a thunderous four-point play that propelled the Beermen ahead for good, 121-117, with just under two minutes remaining in a riveting Game 2 showcased before a passionate weekend audience at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Romeo delivered a stellar performance reminiscent of his prime, finishing with 26 points and an immaculate 5-of-5 from beyond the arc, leading San Miguel to the crucial win that tied the best-of-seven series at 1-1.

Game 3 is scheduled for Sunday in Dasmarinas, Cavite.

In the extra period, Romeo contributed nine points and added 13 in the fourth quarter, providing vital support for the Beermen as they withstood a furious comeback by the Kings, who had rallied from a 13-point deficit, fueled by the scorching shooting of Justine Brownlee.

However, Romeo’s heroics were marred by a critical foul he committed against Maverick Ahanmisi with just 1.3 seconds left in regulation. With San Miguel ahead by two and in a penalty situation, Ahanmisi coolly converted both pressure-filled free throws, sending the game into overtime with a deadlock at 110-all.

Import EJ Anosike was a standout performer, leading the charge with 35 points and nine rebounds, while CJ Perez added 25, including San Miguel’s final six points in regulation, capped off by a clutch four-pointer that restored San Miguel’s lead at 110-108.

Eighth-time MVP June Mar Fajardo continued to be a dominating presence in the paint for the Beermen, contributing 26 points, 21 rebounds, and six assists, while sharpshooter Marcio Lassiter provided solid support with 12 points.

On the opposing side, Brownlee delivered a spectacular performance of his own, leading all scorers with 39 points, along with five rebounds and seven assists.

The Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player played a pivotal role as the Kings surged towards the finish, scoring eight of Ginebra’s last ten points in a crucial four-minute span, allowing them to take a narrow 108-106 lead with just 18 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Japeth Aguilar also stepped up for the Gin Kings, contributing 29 points and eight rebounds, while the ever-reliable Scottie Thompson nearly achieved a triple-double, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, and ten assists.

The scores:

San Miguel 131 – Anosike 35, Perez 28, Romeo 26, Fajardo 23, Lassiter 12, Cruz 5, Tautuaa 2, Ross 0, Rosales 0, Trollano 0, Enciso 0, Manuel 0.

Brgy. Ginebra 125 – Brownlee 39, J.Aguilar 29, Thompson 16, Ahanmisi 15, Holt 14, Abarrientos 4, Tenorio 3, Cu 2, Devance 2, Pinto 1, Pessumal 0, Adamos 0.

Quarterscores: 22-24, 51-47, 85-76, 110-110, 131-125.

Back to top button

Adblock Detected

Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker