San Miguel dominates Magnolia to force do-or-die Game 7 in Philippine Cup Finals

Rafi Reavis of Magnolia Hotshots guards San Miguel Beermen's June Mar Fajardo in Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. PHOTO BY ZEKE ALONZO

The PBA Philippine Cup defending champs San Miguel Beermen refused to give up their title yet as they showed dominance against Magnolia Hotshots in Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, 98-86, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With less than two minutes left in the third period, Magnolia made a 12-0 run to close SMB's lead to a single digit, 68-62. However, SMB never looked back and dominated the whole final quarter, even leading as much as 21, 90-69, 5:06 left in the game.

For the Hotshots, after trailing as much as 21 points, they had a 13-0 run, seven points of which came from Rafi Reavis, to inch closer 39-31 at the 01:47 mark of the second period. SMB continued its commanding run to end the first half with a 14-point lead, 50-36.

SMB started hot early in the game, eventually ending the first period with a 13-point advantage, 25-12.

Best Player of the Conference, June Mar Fajardo, led the Beermen with 23 points and 18 rebounds while Marcio Lassiter added 20 points and 7 boards.

Jio Jalalon topped the Hotshots in scoring with 17 points. Ian Sangalang and Reavis, meanwhile, chipped in 14 and 13 points each.

The do-or-die match will happen on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. — BAP, GMA News