Game today:
Araneta Coliseum
7 p.m.- San Miguel vs. Alaska
After chalking up back-to-back wins, the San Miguel Beermen look to seize full control when they battle the Alaska Aces tonight in Game 3 of the 40th PBA Governors’ Cup Best-of-Seven Finals at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen sit on a crucial 2-0 series lead as they posted contrasting wins to start the title showdown. They handily won Game 1, 108-78, then came back from a nine-point fourth quarter deficit to take Game 2, 103-95.
Another win will bring the Beermen closer to their 21st championship crown, and for them to be able to achieve that, San Miguel head coach Leo Austria is reminding his wards not to relax.
“I think 2-0 is not safe. I am sure there will be a big adjustment on their part come Game 3. A team needs four wins to get the championship. There’s no reason for us to relax,” said Austria.
San Miguel’s ability to hit its shots from the three-point land has been the difference. In Game 2, the Beermen went 17-for-40 from the three-point land.
Marcio Lassiter dropped two crucial triples in the dying seconds that sealed the Game 2 win for the Beermen.
“Ipinakita lang niya na he’s the PBA’s top shooter right now,” said Austria of Lassiter, who scored 17 points in the game and shot 5-for-10 from the three-point line.
Arizona Reid tallied 37 points, seven assist and five steals, while Best Player of the Conference June Mar Fajardo added 16 points and 14 rebounds. Alex Cabagnot was also big in Game 2 where he netted 13 points, five rebounds and three assists.
“It’s really challenging with all the threats that they have,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton. “I really thought we generally played Alaska basketball most of the game.”