THE San Miguel Beermen continued to show their resiliency as they tripped the Alaska Aces, 92-88, in the PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday night, October 24, at the AUF Sports Arena and Cultural Complex.
The win was the Beermen’s second in a row to put them at 3-2 (win-loss). The reigning champs’ crew of veterans once again led the way with Alex Cabagnot putting up 19 points, seven rebounds and two assists for the Beermen.
Arwind Santos had 17 points and 10 boards, Moala Tautuaa put up 16 markers, six boards and six dimes, Marcio Lassiter fired in 13, while Chris Ross came off the bench and had 10 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals as the Beermen put a stop to Alaska’s three-game winning streak.
Afterwards, San Miguel Beermen gave credit to his veterans for their toughness. San Miguel is currently playing this season without superstars June Mar Fajardo and Terrence Romeo as well as reserve Matt Ganuelas-Rosser.
"I have to give credit to the team as the veterans really stepped up big," Austria said in the post-game press conference.
It was a well-fought ballgame that saw Alaska on top, 82-80, before San Miguel rattled off eight straight points to take full control of the game.
Veteran big man Vic Manuel and Cebuano rookie Barkley Eboña paced Alaska with 18 points. Eboña has been a revelation inside the PBA “bubble” as this marks his third straight game scoring in double-figures.
The scores
San Miguel (92) Cabagnot 19, Santos 17, Tautuaa 16, Lassiter 13, Ross 10, Pessumal 8, Zamar 6, Escoto 2, Mamaril 1, Gamalinda 0.
Alaska (88) Manuel 18, Ebona 18, DiGregorio 13, Herndon 12, Tratter 11, Brondial 9, Casio 7, Teng 0, Ahanmisi 0, Galliguez 0, Ayaay 0, Publico 0.
Quarterscores: 27-17; 41-39; 69-68; 92-88. (JNP)