Beermen outlast Hotshots, regain No. 1 spot

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer weathered a pesky Magnolia side, 77-76, to return to the win column and regain their seat atop the standings during the Sunday nightcap of PBA’s rare affair at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Beermen clawed their way out of a double-digit rut in the payoff period, erasing what had been a 16-point lead by the Hotshots.

Veteran Chico Lanete drilled a triple with 1:34 left on the clock to give the reigning Philippine Cup champions the lead. From there, June Mar Fajardo took care of things, sinking all of the freethrow to keep them on the driver seat.

"I would like to thank God for this win against Magnolia which is very determined to beat us. Sa start we were shocked with the defense they had. Pinreserve nila 'yung energy nila,” San Miguel head coach Leo Austria said.

"Based on our experience last six games, it was not that physical. Pero tonight,  very intense. We were able to focus on our gameplan. Maybe its the experience of the player showing because they’re used to [this kind of games],” he added.

The victory affords the Beermen a 6-1 card, their only loss coming from the hands of sister team Barangay Ginebra. Magnolia, on the other hand, drops to 2nd with a 6-2 record.

The Beermen takes on Blackwater Elite this coming Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome, while the Hotshots tangles with the Rain or Shine ElastoPainters on Saturday in Pangasinan.

The Scores:

SAN MIGUEL 77 - Fajardo 19, Ross 15, Lanete 14, Lassiter 12, Santos 11, Rosser 6, Semerad 0, Agovida 0, Heruela 0, Mamaril 0, Pessumal 0

MAGNOLIA 76 - Barroca 21, Sangalang 13, Melton 10, Jalalon 8, Ramos 7, Pingris 5, Dela Rosa 4, Reavis 4, Simon 2, Pascual 2, Herndon 0.

Quarters: 21-20, 34-44, 52-60, 77-76.