PBA: Arwind scores 27 as San Miguel defeats Barako

Arwind Santos posted 27 big points as San Miguel defeated Barako Bull, 103-89, on Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

"Arwind, he wants to win, he's our leader, he's our captain ball," said San Miguel coach Leo Austria. "Anytime magkaroon kami ng problema, he's there. Mukhang inspired na inspired siya e."

Marcio Lassiter chipped in 20 points with three triples, while Junemar Fajardo added 18 points with 11 boards.

"Buti na lang si Marcio nag-explode," Austria added. "You can beat any team as long as masunod yung gameplan."

Only two points separated the two teams in the final 1:43, before Marcio Lassiter hit two charities for some separation. An Arwind Santos trey with 1:03 remaining gave San Miguel more breathing room, as Fajardo cancelled out a Miranda make to preserve the lead with 36 ticks to go. More insurance freethrows for Lassiter and Fajardo put the game away.

Denok Miranda led Barako with 17, while Carlo Lastimosa and JC Intal had 12 each. Jeric Fortuna posted 11. - Renee Fopalan, GMA News


The scores:

SAN MIGUEL 103 - Santos 27, Lassiter 20, Fajardo 18, Mercado 12, Lutz 8, Omolon 8, Tubid 3, Semerad 2, Ross 2, Hubalde 2, Chua 1, Pascual 0.

BARAKO 89 - Miranda 17, Lastimosa 12, Intal 12, Fortuna 11, Lanete 10, Garcia 8, Pennisi 6, Paredes 4, Wilson 4, Salvador 2, Marcelo 2, Pascual 1, Salva 0.

Quarters: 26-24, 43-45, 70-68, 103-89