SMB survives late charge by Arwind Santos' NorthPort for first Govs' Cup win

The San Miguel Beermen (SMB) registered their first win in the PBA Governors' Cup at the expense of the NorthPort Batang Pier, 91-88, on Sunday.

Down by 14 at the start of the fourth period, NorthPort tried to rally and were able to cut the deficit to just four points, 89-85, with 1:26 remaining in the game. SMB import Brandon Brown sank two triples to help the Beermen hold onto the lead.

Robert Bolick and Jamie Malonzo shot three from the stripe in an effort to steal the game, but NorthPort's missed shots at the final moments of the game handed SMB their first win of the conference.

Brown produced 24 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists to deliver the win for San Miguel, while June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez had 15 points each.

Former Beerman Arwind Santos continued to be a reliable player for NorthPort with 23 markers and 11 boards, while Bolick added 24 points. Malonzo had 22 points and 13 rebounds in the losing affair.

San Miguel (1-2) will be back in action against Blackwater Bossing on Saturday. NorthPort (0-3) will face Barangay Ginebra on Friday.

The scores:

SMB 91 – Brown 24, Perez 15, Fajardo 15, Lassiter 12, Manuel 10, Pessumal 9, Romeo 6, Enciso 0, Tautuaa 0.

NorthPort 88 – Bolick 24, Santos 23, Malonzo 22, Slaughter 10, Taha 4, Ferrer 2, Grey 2, Balanza 1, Rike 0, Doliguez 0, Elorde 0.

Quarterscores: 26-9, 49-31, 72-58, 91-88.

—JMB, GMA News