San Miguel Beer fights back, takes 2-1 series lead

San Miguel Beer import Arizona Reid bumps into the defense of Rain or Shine’s Wendell McKines.
(PBA IMAGES)

THE SAN Miguel Beermen are a win away from a finals berth in the PBA Governors’ Cup after they pulled away late to best the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 114-108, in Game 3 of the best-of-five semifinals series last night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Import Arizona Reid and lefty guard Alex Cabagnot provided the firepower as they scored 37 and 26 points, respectively, to help push San Miguel to a crucial 2-1 series lead.

Moreover, it was the duo’s clutch buckets that helped seal Rain or Shine’s fate and place themselves within a victory away from earning the right to face off anew against the Alaska Aces for the title in this season-ending conference.

After losing Game 2 in heartbreaking fashion—losing a 20-point lead in the second half—the Beermen regained their mojo and out-hustled the gritty Elasto Painters down the stretch to earn the win.

After trailing by as many as 11 points, Rain or Shine was up to its old tricks again and was only behind by two, 101-103, at the halfway mark of the final frame.

It was then that Reid and Cabagnot went to work as the former hit a hook shot while the latter canned a straightaway three-pointer for a 108-101 advantage. Not long after, Reid added yet another basket down low to push the lead to nine with 2:15 remaining.

After a trade of baskets by Jireh Ibanes and June Mar Fajardo, the Elasto Painters last threatened at 106-112, off a corner triple by Paul Lee.

But San Miguel proved to have the steadier hand as Marcio Lassiter coolly made a baseline jumper with the shot clock expiring to seal the win for the Beermen.

Lassiter and Fajardo added 17 apiece to supplement Reid and Cabagnot’s outburst.

“I thought we were able to adjust from what they did to us last game,” said San Miguel Beer head coach Leo Austria after the game.

“Our zone defense also clicked. I’m glad Alex (Cabagnot) found his game. AZ (Reid) also wants to win this game badly and it showed.”

Wendell Mckines followed up his 53-point Game 2 performance with 39 markers and 12 rebounds while Lee added 22. Jeff Chan notched 13 while Gabe Norwood chipped in a dozen for Rain or Shine, which must now escape elimination in Game 4 set for tomorrow.

THE SCORES:

SAN MIGUEL 114 – Reid 37, Cabagnot 26, Lassiter 17, Fajardo 17, Tubid 8, Lutz 7, Santos 2, Ross 0, Omolon 0, Espinas 0.

RAIN OR SHINE 108 – McKines 39, Lee 22, Chan 13, Norwood 12, Tiu 10, Quinahan 5, Ibanes 2, Tang 2, Almazan 2, Cruz Jericho 1, Uyloan 0, Arana 0.

Quarterscores: 26-27, 56-54, 89-82, 114-108.