Beermen erase 20-point deficit to escape Road Warriors

ANTIPOLO, Rizal – San Miguel came from 20 points down in the fourth quarter to complete a come-from-behind win over the NLEX Road Warriors, 135-133, in their PBA Governors’ Cup matchup Wednesday evening at the Ynares Center here. 

San Miguel showcased resiliency to get the hard-fought win, which did not affect NLEX’s top seed finish in Group A.

Both teams finished with 9-3 win-loss records, but the Road Warriors’ win over the Beermen in their first round matchup gave NLEX the top spot of Group A. 

“Kaya nga sinabi ko sa team, let's play to win. Whatever happens is not our problem anymore who will be facing from the other group e. Right now, we don't know yet. Maybe Ginebra, maybe Phoenix, we don't know,” Beermen head coach Leo Austria said after the game.

“But, this is a tournament. What is important is to win a championship. So going to the championship, there's a lot of game plan and strategy from the coaches…. But what I keep on telling the team, let them have a problem kung sino kanilang makakatapat. But let us develop this killer instinct na sinasabi ko,” he added. 

“Nagkaroon sila ng sense of urgency. And it's a morale booster going to the playoffs.” 

NLEX led by as much as 20 points, 118-98, with 10:07 remaining after a deuce by Deonte Burton. 

Slowly, though, the Beermen nipped the deficit away. 

They were able to tie things up at 133-all with about 53 seconds remaining after a layup by Trollano.

After a missed layup by Robert Bolick on the other end, San Miguel went to George King. 

King drove to the basket strong and hit a layup, but Bolick pulled on the net as he was called for a goaltend, pushing the Beermen to a 135-133 lead. 

In the next possession, NLEX turned to LJ Gonzales, who had a clean shot from the corner. His attempt, though, clanged on the rim and missed as the clock melted. 

According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, the 20 point lead is the largest deficit erased in the fourth quarter en route to a win, since San Miguel blew a 21 point advantage against the Converge FiberXers in Game 3 of the best-of-five quarterfinals in last season's Governors' Cup. 

King powered San Miguel with 27 points, nine rebounds, four blocks and three assists. June Mar Fajardo, who entered the 10,000-point club earlier in the day, had 26 markers, 10 boards, five dimes and three swats. Trollano added 23 points off the bench while Marcio Lassiter chipped in 19. 

Burton waxed hot for the Road Warriors with 43 points, six rebounds, six blocks, three assists and a steal in the loss. Gonzales and Schonny Winston had 20 points apiece. Bolick had 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting, while also dishing out a career-best 15 assists. 

NLEX, as the top seed of Group A, will face the fourth seed of Group B.