Beermen rally from 24 down to grab 1-0 lead in PBA semis
Game today
Araneta Coliseum
7 p.m.- Alaska vs. Star
Another remarkable victory marked the second day of the 40th PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal round after the San Miguel Beermen climbed out from a deep hole to flatten the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 101-95, last night at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen erased a 24-point second quarter deficit, 19-43, escaping with the scrambling victory to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
After trailing in the entire first half, San Miguel used a hot 34-19 attack in the third period to surge ahead, 80-79, with one quarter left to play.
Interestingly, the Alaska Aces on Wednesday night also banked on a 34-19 third quarter assault to complete their rally from an 18-point deficit and beat the defending champions Star Hothots, 97-91, in their own semifinal duel.
Rain or Shine last tasted the lead at 93-92 as San Miguel’s defense held up in the crucial moments of the game.
Rain or Shine tied the contest at 95-all in the final 4:40 mark of the game but never scored again to suffer the demoralizing loss.
Alex Cabagnot and Arwind Santos combined for 24 points in the second half, keying the Beermen’s fightback.
Cabagnot earned the Best Player of the Game honors after finishing with 15 points, eight assists and five rebounds.
Wendell McKines led the Elasto Painters with 33 points but missed two crucial free throws with 1:23 left and his team trailing, 95-99.