San Miguel survives late Brgy. Ginebra fightback
Don Trollano and Jericho Cruz delivered clutch performances, helping San Miguel secure a close 95-92 victory against Brgy. Ginebra on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Despite almost letting go of an 18-point lead, the Beermen were able to rely on Trollano and Cruz to maintain their perfect record in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, holding on to the top spot with a 4-0 standing.
Trollano’s five-point burst and Cruz’s crucial shot in the final moments proved to be the difference maker as San Miguel survived Brgy. Ginebra’s late surge. With NLEX and NorthPort closely tailing behind at 4-1, the Beermen knew the importance of securing this win to stay ahead in the standings.
“We have to do a better job defending,” said SMB coach Jorge Gallent during the post-game presser.
“Good thing June Mar and Mo didn’t get their fifth foul. And though having four fouls in the first half, they continued to play defense,” he added.
Not to be overlooked were June Mar Fajardo and Moala Tautuaa managing to stay on the court despite early foul trouble, each contributing significantly to the team’s victory. However, it was Trollano and Cruz who ultimately sealed the deal when the Gin Kings threatened to steal the game at 91-93.
Cruz’s game-winning shot with 33 seconds remaining added to his total of eight points, along with two assists, two steals, and a rebound. CJ Perez’s double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds, combined with Fajardo’s 14 points and 10 boards, further solidified the Beermen’s performance.
Tautuaa and Terrence Romeo also made key contributions with 12 and 11 points, respectively, in a hard-fought victory over the Gin Kings, who now find themselves tied for fourth place with Blackwater Bossing.
The scores:
San Miguel 95 – Perez 18, Trollano 15, Fajardo 14, Tautuaa 12, Romeo 11, Brondial 8, Cruz 8, Lassiter 6, Ross 3, Manuel 0, Enciso 0.
GINEBRA 92 – J.Aguilar 17, Ahanmisi 16, Pringle 15, Malonzo 14, Standhardinger 14, Tenorio 8, Onwubere 8, David 0, Gumaru 0, Cu 0, Pinto 0.
QUARTERS: 33-18, 56-50, 82-66, 95-92.
