San Miguel dominates Barangay Ginebra to even semis series

The San Miguel Beermen dominated Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 100-83, in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

San Miguel went hot early and outscored Barangay Ginebra, 26-15, in the first period before the latter caught up and inched closer by halftime, 50-41.

The Beermen continued to hold off Barangay Ginebra despite June Mar Fajardo playing in limited minutes due to a calf injury. By the end of the third period, San Miguel were already leading 76-61, before it took its biggest lead, 90-67, after an Andreas Cahilig triple at the 7:34 mark of the fourth period. San Miguel then cruised to the victory with Cahilig and Jericho Cruz leading the charge.

"Thanks for my players, they know what the situation is because they know since yesterday when we've learned that June Mar will be on managed minutes or depending on my discretion, so everybody is thinking that they will step up," head coach Leo Austria said.

"Lagi natin sinasabi na ang strength ng team ay kay June Mar, but don't forget that June Mar's strength is with his teammates."

True enough, Fajardo's teammates stepped up with Marcio Lassiter waxing hot with 16 points built on four triples, while Don Trollano had 14 points and six rebounds. Kris Rosales also stepped up with 13 points, while CJ Perez and Cruz had 11 points apiece. Mo Tautuaa had 10 points and 10 boards.

Stephen Holt, meanwhile, had 17 points, while Jeremiah Gray and Nards Pinto had 10 points apiece.

The Beermen evened the series, 1-1, with Game 3 of the semis on Friday.

Scores:

San Miguel 100 – Lassiter 16, Trollano 14, Rosales 13, Perez 11, Cruz 11, Cahilig 9, Tiongson 8, Brondial 4, Fajardo 2, Calma 2, Teng 0.

Barangay Ginebra 83 – Holt 17, Gray 10, Pinto 10, Thompson 9, Ahanmisi 9, Abarrientos 7, Rosario 6, J.Aguilar 5, Malonzo 5, David 5, Cu 0, Adamos 0, R.Aguilar 0, Tenoio 0.

Quarters: 26-15, 54-41, 76-61, 100-83.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News