Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — San Miguel Beer conjured a spirited run in the final quarter to pull off a come-from-behind 109-105 win over Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Game 1 of their Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at the Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday (January 5).
It took a while before the Beermen, who were fresh from a two-week layoff, got their bearing going but did so just in time to erase a 20-point deficit.
San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria himself was flabbergasted, almost clueless as to how his wards overcame a seemingly insurmountable Rain or Shine lead.
“I don’t know what to say, this is unbelievable,” said Austria in the aftermath of the rousing victory.
A few moments later, the two-time champion mentor gave credit where it’s due.
“I have to give credit to (Chris) Ross and (Ronald) Tubid,” he said. “June Mar (Fajardo) is already a given. Kita mo sa body language na he wants to win.”
Fajardo’s monstrous outing, plus the clutch three-pointers by Tubid and the energy Ross injected into the team in the homestretch became the Beermen’s trump card against the Elasto Painters, whose seamless ball movement allowed them to erect a 20-point cushion.
Fajardo exploded for 36 points on top of 18 rebounds, three assists, a steal, and five blocks.
Tubid scored 11 of his 15 points in the final frame, while Ross scored seven points and had seven steals.
Rain or Shine took a comfortable 91-71 lead after three quarters and kept the Beermen at bay at least in the first six minutes of the last period.
But the Beermen regained steam and slowly trimmed the gap.
At the 2:52 mark, Fajardo canned a pair of free throws to tie the count at 103-all. He followed it up with a basket to put the Beermen on top for good.
Rain or Shine had a couple of chance to tie the game but Paul Lee and Jeff Chan’s three-pointers rimmed out.
Beau Belga and JR Quinahan led Rain or Shine’s attack with 19 points apiece, while Jericho Cruz and Chrus Tiu added 16 and 12, respectively.
