A marquee matchup closed PBA Friday at Ynares Center in Montalban as title contenders Magnolia Hotshots and San Miguel Beermen squared off in the main game. The two storied franchises didn’t disappoint, putting on what looked and felt like a playoff game that ultimately ended with the Beermen pulling off a 94-92 victory. With the win, San Miguel climbed to 4-2 to level with Magnolia.
What Happened?
San Miguel waxed hot off the bat, racing to a 25-17 first-quarter lead and ending the first 24 minutes of play with a 51-40 advantage. But it was Magnolia’s turn to get going in the third as it outscored San Miguel, 30-18, to enter the fourth ahead, 70-69, and set up a nip-and-tuck final period. The Beermen, on the back of a massive Don Trollano four-pointer, ultimately pulled out the win after clamping down on Paul Lee in Magnolia’s final possession.
Who Stood Out?
On a night when June Mar Fajardo was uncharacteristically ineffective for most of the game, it was Don Trollano who carried San Miguel. He played just 19 minutes but fired 29 big points—none bigger than his four-pointer with 53 seconds remaining to put the Beermen up, 91-88.
Over at the other side, a couple of Hotshots played superbly, beginning with Zavier Lucero, who was all over the floor and finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Jerom Lastimosa was fantastic as well, especially in breaking down San Miguel’s defense en route to 17 points and 6 assists. Chris Koon, meanwhile, dropped a conference-best 16 points, including a four-pointer that nudged Magnolia to within 94-92 in the final seconds.
3 Keys to the Game
- Points in the paint. San Miguel didn’t shoot particularly well from the perimeter save for Don Trollano, but they made up somehow with inside incursions. In the end, the Beermen outscored the Hotshots, 44-34, in the paint thanks mostly to Fajardo and CJay Perez.
- Don Trollano. As already mentioned, Trollano carried the fight for the Beermen, especially in the second half where he fired 15 of his 29—including seven of San Miguel’s final 10 points.
- Championship poise. The Hotshots looked poised to win this game after they took an 86-80 lead with under three minutes remaining. But the Beermen didn’t yield and instead uncorked an 11-2 run to nudge back ahead, 91-88, on Trollano’s four-pointer. Marcio Lassiter then sealed the win with some great defense on Lee in the end.
Next Up for the PBA
The PBA Philippine Cup for Season 50 goes back to Ynares Center in Antipolo on Saturday with another doubleheader. The Blackwater Bossing and Converge FiberXers will open hostilities, followed by a matchup between the NLEX Road Warriors and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Blackwater vs. Converge (5:15 p.m.)
NLEX vs. Rain or Shine (7:30 p.m.)
