THE SAN Miguel Beermen padded their winning run to four and dealt the Barako Bull Energy Colas their first defeat following a close 116-113 decision last night in the 40th PBA Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen picked up yet another win after starting the tournament with two straight losses, getting 22 points each from import AZ Reid and Cebuano big man June Mar Fajardo.
Reid pumped in crucial points for the Beermen and also had a key defensive stop in the dying seconds that sealed the Beermen’s win.
Barako Bull import Laim McMorrow gave Barako Bull a 108-107 lead after a split free throw with 1:21 left but Marcio Lassiter countered with a booming triple that put the Beermen on top, 110-108.
JC Intal responded with his own big three-pointer that shoved the Energy Colas up in front again, 111-110 with 51.3 ticks left.
Reid scored on a runner from the baseline and after Joseph Yeo misfired a triple in the next play, the dreadlocked import nailed two free throws as the Beermen took a 114-111 lead with 6.8 seconds left.
Reid iced the Beermen’s win by blocking the three-point attempt of Dylan Ababou with 2.3 seconds remaining.
Free throws from both teams pegged the final score.
McMorrow finished with 31 points for Barako Bull, which, despite the loss, still remained at the top spot of the standings with a 4-1 (win-loss) record.