Game today:
Mall of Asia Arena
7 p.m. – Alaska vs. Rain or Shine
The San Miguel Beermen were challenged more this time, but they still beat the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 87-81, in Game 2 of their best-of-seven semifinal series in the PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Returning guard Alex Cabagnot continued his resurgence since being traded back to San Miguel as he paced the team with 21 points laced with three triples as the Beermen took a 2-0 lead in the series.
Cebuano giant and reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo struggled from the field but atoned for it by making all 11 of his free-throws en route to tallying 15 markers and 12 rebounds. Chris Lutz added 14 while Game One ace Arwind Santos chipped in 10 markers.
But the game was totally different from the easy 109-86 win San Miguel scored in Game 1.
The Texters played with more fire this time around, frustrating Fajardo at one point in the second half.
But the Beermen held their composure down the stretch. The game was tied for the last time at 71-all when Cabagnot, Marcio Lassiter and Fajardo collaborated in a brief run capped by a jumper by the latter that put them ahead 78-72 with 5:15 to go.
The Texters still fought hard and pulled to within a matchstick, 81-82, after a long two by Larry Fonacier with two minutes left.
But Fajardo showed nerves of steel as he canned four straight freebies while Cabagnot sealed the game with two more of his own to give San Miguel the win.
The Texters got 26 from Jayson Castro and 17 from Jay Washington.
BOX SCORES:
SAN MIGUEL 87 – Cabagnot 21, Fajardo 15, Lutz 14, Santos 10, Lassiter 8, Tubid 7, Fortuna 5, Pascual 3, Maierhofer 2, Ross 2, Kramer 0, Omolon 0, Chua 0, Semerad 0.
TALK N’ TEXT 81 – Castro 26, Washington 17, Rosser 11, De Ocampo 10, Carey 6, Fonacier 4, Aban 3, Williams 2, Seigle 2, Alapag 0, Alas 0, Reyes R.J. 0, Reyes R. 0, Espiritu 0.
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