San Miguel evens semis series vs Barangay Ginebra, 2-2

San Miguel dominated Barangay Ginebra, 107-82, on Wednesday in Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at the Mall of Asia Arena to even the series, 2-2.

After a close first half which ended 51-50 in favor of Barangay Ginebra, the Beermen pulled away in the third period after erupting for 30 points and limiting the Gin Kings to 12 to take a 17-point lead by the end of the said frame.

San Miguel then continued to hold off Barangay Ginebra in the final frame despite June Mar Fajardo being scoreless in the fourth quarter.

Fajaro registered a double-double of 12 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block, to lead the Beermen as he continues to find his form after sustaining a calf injury at the start of the semis.

"It's very obvious that the energy of the team is really high. We're able to match up their energy and a lot of our perimeter shooting went in," San Miguel head coach Leo Austria said, adding that they also emphasized on defense.

"From the start, nakita ko ang kanilang body language na this team will really play tonight. Different energy and concentration ang nangyari kanina."

CJ Perez had 19 points, seven assists, five boards, a steal, and a block, while Juami Tiongson added 14 points. Jeron Teng, meanwhile, had his moments in his 14 minute-playing time as he had nine points.

Troy Rosario led Barangay Ginebra with 14 points and seven rebounds, while Jamie Malonzo had 12 points.

Game 5 of the semis will be played on Friday.

Scores:

San Miguel 107 – Perez 19, Tiongson 14, Fajardo 12, Brondial 12, Cruz 12, Trollano 11, Teng 9, Lassiter 6, Ross 5, Rosales 3, Tautuaa 2, Calma 2, Cahilig 0.

Barangay Ginebra 82 – Rosario 14, Malonzo 12, Thompson 11, J.Aguilar 10, Abarrientos 9, Ahanmisi 7, Holt 5, Pinto 4, Tenorio 4, R.Aguilar 4, Gray 2, Cu 0, David 0.

Quarters: 24-26, 50-51, 80-63, 107-82.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News