Beermen defuse Bolts, share lead

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer capped a storied year the only way it knew – with a blast!

Alex Cabagnot erupted for 29 points, June Mar Fajardo powered his way to 26 markers and the Beermen survived a furious Meralco fightback, eking out a 103-97 victory in the penultimate PBA play date in the year at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo last night.

Marcio Lassiter, Arwind Santos and Von Pessumal came through with big games of their own as San Miguel tied NLEX (2-0) in the early lead in the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round which takes a brief break after the league’s pre-New Year’s Day double-header at the Cuneta Astrodome tomorrow.

“It’s good to end the year on a winning note,” said coach Leo Austria whose team enjoyed much success in 2017, winning the Philippine Cup and the Commissioner’s Cup.

The Beermen nearly squandered a 22-point bulge but held on at the finish to make it two in a row in the new season following a triumphant debut versus the Phoenix Fuel Masters.

Fajardo narrowly missed a double-double as he also snared nine rebounds while Cabagnot laced his big outing with seven boards and four assists.

Lassiter fired 18 points, Pessumal drained three treys and finished with 11 markers while Santos contributed 10 boards, eight markers and two assists for the Beermen, who foiled the Bolts’ own bid to tie the Road Warriors atop the leaderboard.

San Miguel won’t be back in action until Jan. 13 when it tangles with TNT Ka Tropa. Meralco, meanwhile, clashes with Alaska Milk on Jan. 10.

In the first game, Phoenix Petroleum bounced back strong from an earlier defeat to powerhouse San Miguel Beer, blasting a hapless Kia side, 125-102.

The Fuel Masters played an efficient game on both ends of the court and pummeled the Picanto in all quarters as they fashioned out the most lopsided game in PBA Season 43 thus far while handing new coach Louie Alas his first win in his return to PBA coaching.

Matthew Wright, Justin Chua and JC Intal put in 15 points each with Gelo Alolino, RJ Jazul, Jason Perkins and Joseph Eriobu also churning out double-digit outputs as the Fuel Masters rebounded from their 96-104 loss to the Beermen on opening day.