Author: Bon Maddagan
Photo Credit: PBA Images
San Miguel Beermen vs. Rain or Shine Elastopainters – A Dramatic Showdown On 9/5
With under 3 seconds left to play, the San Miguel Beermen somehow managed to get the ball to their eight-time MVP who delivered a game-winning shot that bounced on the rim before going in. The win ended their two-game skid and also halted the red-hot ElastoPainters’ four-game winning streak.
Rain or Shine almost had the game after Rookie Pangilinan-Lemetti made all 4 free throws to go up 112-111. Fortunately for the Beermen, Fajardo was there to save them and ruin the rookie’s impressive night.
Fajardo did most of his damage in the second half where he helped his team maintain their lead. He finished with a dominant 27 points and 21 rebounds in a highly efficient 11/17 shooting. Import Jordan Adams continued his explosiveness dropping 41 points.
Rain or Shine, on the other hand, was led by their young stars. Pangilinan-Lemetti had 28 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. Adrian Nocum who played with great energy throughout the game chipped in 21. Import Aaron Fuller had 24.
Fajardo and Lemetti Duel in a Thrilling Fourth Quarter
The game was intense most especially in the 4th. After trailing by as much as 8, ROS engineered a fight back, capped by a Pangilinan-Lemetti four-pointer, narrowing the deficit to 2 (101-103). It has been back and forth since then. Fajardo and Adams took turns to help the Beermen stay ahead but Lemetti and the Elasto Painters would respond. In the final moments, Chris Ross would commit a costly mistake, fouling Lemetti on the transition and awarding him four shots on the foul line. But that sets up Fajardo to complete a very entertaining match with a perfect finish.
The Scores :
- SMB 113 – Adams 41, Fajardo 27, Perez 10, Cruz 10, Trollano 9, Lassiter 6, Tautuaa 4, Romeo 4, Rosales 2, Ross 0
- ROS 112 – Pangilinan-Lemetti 28, Fuller 24, Nocum 21, Mamuyac 12, Datu 10, Caracut 6, Clarito 4, Santillan 3, Belga 2, Norwood 2
- QUARTERS: 33-28, 55-53, 86-80, 113-112
