Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Import Arizona Reid scored 37 points as the San Miguel Beer edged the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 114-108, in Game 3 of their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’Cup semifinals at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum Monday (July 6).
Reid shot seven of the team’s 18 three-pointers, while hauling down four rebounds and dishing out five assists to help the team take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five duel.
“AZ (Reid) wanted to win this game so badly and it showed,” said San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria. “I thought we were able to adjust with what they did to us last game. Our zone defense clicked also.”
The sweet-shooting import also got plenty of help from his teammates especially Alex Cabagnot.
Cabagnot uncorked five three-pointers including a key one with less than three minutes to go, 108-101. He finished with 26 points and nine assists.
Marcio Lassiter and June Mar Fajardo added 17 points apiece.
Rain or Shine engaged the Beermen in a back-and-forth contest, before the latter pulled away in the dying minutes behind Reid, Cabagnot, Lassiter, and Fajardo.
With 1:16 left, Paul Lee sank a triple as Rain or Shine tried to stay within striking distance, 106-112.
But Lassiter put the game away with a quick baseline jumper off a pass by Cabagnot.
Beefy import Wendell McKines led Rain or Shine’s balanced attack with game-high 39 points and 12 rebounds.
Lee had 22 off the bench, while Jeff Chan drained three treys on his way to 13 points.
The scores:
SAN MIGUEL BEER (114) – Reid 37, Cabagnot 26, Lassiter 17, Fajardo 17, Tubid 8, Lutz 7, Santos 2, Ross 0, Omolon 0, Espinas 0.
RAIN OR SHINE (108) – McKines 39, Lee 22, Chan 13, Norwood 12, Tiu 10, Quinahan 5, Ibanes 2, Tang 2, Almazan 2, Cruz Jericho 1, Uyloan 0, Arana 0.
