PBA: Beermen take series lead behind Marcio’s 24

The San Miguel Beermen went on a tear in the fourth period, overwhelming the Magnolia Hotshots with their firepower for a 111-87 victory on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen poured in 36 big points in the final 12 minutes, while limiting Magnolia to just 10 of their 19 fourth quarter points in the crucial stretch.

With the win, the Beermen secured a 2-1 series lead in the series.

Marcio Lassiter led San Miguel with 24 points, six rebounds, and five steals. After the game, SMB head coach Leo Austria took the time to talk about how his team used the break to recharge.

"[We used the break] to focus and recuperate from minor injuries, especially Marcio and Chris Ross,” said Austria, as his team, especially the second unit, outlasted their counterparts to take the advantage in their best of seven series.

“The key here is we’re able to max out their energy and that is because of our second unit. Sila ang nagtrabaho and I opted to let them stay in the game because they deserved it. This is a game of adjustments but we’re not yet done. I think we will be ready whatever adjustment ang gagawin nila.”

Big man June Mar Fajardo echoed his coach’s statements, stressing that the series is far from over.

“For sure next game di na papayag yung kabila na tatambakan sila,” Fajardo said. “Kami naman kailangan namin magfocus. Hindi ganun kadali yung series na to so kailangan paghandaan ng maayos ito.”

Game 4 will be on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum. — BM, GMA News