(CNN Philippines) — The San Miguel Beer beat the Barako Bull Energy, 116-111, to register its fourth straight win in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday (May 27).
Arizona Reid and June Mar Fajardo each produced 22 points for the Beermen, who improved to 4-2 in the league standings.
After the game, San Miguel coach Leo Austria was elated his troops were able to escape with the victory.
“Right from the start alam namin this will be a very tough game. We’re just lucky to survive and get the win,” said Austria.
The Beermen were up by six, 107-101, with 3:43 left in the fourth period before Barako Bull clawed back. The Energy scored seven straight points, capped by a dunk and free throw from Liam McMorrow, to go ahead 108-107.
Marcio Lassiter made a three-pointer to give San Miguel back the lead, 1:07 left on the clock. JC Intal knocked down a triple of his own to give Barako Bull a 111-110 edge, but a basket from Reid put the Beermen back on top, 32 seconds to go in the game.
After Barako Bull called a timeout, Joseph Yeo missed a three-point attempt 12 ticks left and Reid and Fajardo each made a pair of free throws for the final tally.
Ronald Tubid came off the bench for San Miguel to put up 13 markers, while Chris Ross and Alex Cabagnot had 12 and 11 points, respectively.
“I thought Tubid’s timely shots helped us win this game,” added Austria.
McMorrow had 31 points and 25 rebounds for Barako Bull, who dropped its first game of the conference.
Yeo added 25 points, while Intal finished with 14 in the loss.
The scores:
SAN MIGUEL 116 – Fajardo 22, Reid 22, Lassiter 18, Tubid 13, Ross 12, Cabagnot 11, Espinas 8, Reyes 4, Lutz 2, Omolon 2, Santos 2.
BARAKO 113 – McMorrow 31, Yeo 25, Intal 14, Lanete 12, Maierhofer 10, Pascual 8, Garcia 6, Wilson 3, Lastimosa 2, Chua 2, Ababou 0.
Quarters: 30-33, 55-59, 87-86, 116-113
