PBA: San Miguel erases 20-pt lead, steals Game 1 of semis vs Rain or Shine

The San Miguel Beermen erased a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter to earn a 109-105 win against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and take Game 1 of their semifinals series on Tuesday at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

June Mar Fajardo led San Miguel with 36 points and 18 rebounds with five blocks and three assists, while Arwind Santos added 19 points and 17 boards. Ronald Tubid tallied 15 off the bench, while Chris Ross had seven points, seven steals, three assists, and two boards.

"I don't know what to say. This is unbelievable," said SMB head coach Leo Austria after the game. "I have to give credit to Ronald, Chris Ross and June Mar. Si Ross nagbigay ng energy dun e. We're lucky yung tres ni Ronald, clutch, pumasok."

The Elasto Painters raced to a 15-point lead in the opening period, 27-17, before pouring it on in the second for a 22-point edge. At the half, Rain or Shine already scored 68 points to eclipse San Miguel's 50-point output.

Coach Yeng Guiao's squad continued to outscore the Beermen in the third, maintaining a double digit lead the whole period to enter the final frame ahead 91-71.

"Told them what we need to have is effort," added Austria. "Nung second half, inilabas nila."

San Miguel came out swinging in the payoff period, leaning on key triples and Fajardo's presence in the shaded lane to mount a comeback. In nine minutes, the Beermen uncorked a 32-12 run, capped by a pair of charities by Fajardo to tie the game at 103-all, with 2:52 left.

Another Fajardo make shoved SMB ahead, but Paul Lee responded at the other end to tie the game heading into the final two minutes. With 1:32 remaining, the Beermen then went to Chris Ross who hit a three.

In the final minute, JR Quinahan completed a steal off a Ross drive to give Rain or Shine a chance to trim the lead or tie. The Elasto Painters found Lee, but his long bomb bounced in and out of the rim.

Rain or Shine went for a quick foul and sent Ronald Tubid to the line with 11 seconds remaining. Tubid missed both, as Rain or Shine called for time to set up the game-tying play, but Jeff Chan missed his try from deep to give SMB the win. - GMA News