San Miguel overcame Alaska’s gritty challenge in the final stretch to hack out a 92-88 triumph in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga on Saturday, October 24.
Alex Cabagnot and Arwind Santos took care of business as the Beermen held the Aces to just 8 points in the final 8 minutes.
“I have to give credit to the team because the veterans stepped up really big,” said coach Leo Austria after his Beermen dispatched the Aces to improve their record to 3-2.
“The Aces were able to catch up and take the lead, but we did not lose our composure and the players stepped up big,” he added.
Cabagnot led the way for the Beermen as he finished with an all-around game of 19 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists.
Santos added 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Mo Tautuaa contributed 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.
Veterans Marcio Lassiter and Chris Ross also had 12 and 10 points, respectively, for the defending champions.
The Beermen pulled away from the get-go as they built a double-digit lead, 27-17, at the end of the opening frame.
The Aces, however, outscored the Beermen in the middle quarters to stay within striking distance before turning it into a see-saw battle early in the final period.
But San Miguel managed to pull away late, breaking away from their last deadlock at 82 behind the Beermen's seasoned core.
Alaska rookie Barkley Eboña continued his stellar showing as he had 18 points and 5 rebounds, while Vic Manuel also finished with the same 18-5 stat line for the Aces, who slipped to an even 3-3 slate after an impressive three-game winning streak.
The Scores:
San Miguel 92 – Cabagnot 19, Santos 17, Tautuaa 16, Lassiter 13, Ross 10, Pessumal 8, Zamar 6, Escoto 2, Mamaril 1, Gamalinda 0.
Alaska 88 – Eboña 18, Manuel 18, Digregorio 13, Herndon 12, Tratter 11, Brondial 9, Casio 7, Teng 0, Ahamnisi 0, Galliguez 0, Ayaay 0, Publico 0.
Quarters: 27-17, 41-39, 69-68, 92-88.