SMB fights back to upend Ginebra

Sports

VIRTUALLY a non-factor in the first half, CJ Perez came alive when he was needed most, leading the San Miguel Beermen to an 85-82 come-from-behind win over the Barangay Ginebra Kings on Sunday night, April 5, in the 50th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Perez laid a big fat egg in the first half, enabling the Kings to lead by as many as 15 points in the Easter Sunday showdown.

Like a giant that woke up from deep slumber, Perez struck hard in the final half where he erupted for 20 points, 15 coming in the pivotal fourth quarter.

Perez was also instrumental oin the game’s most critical shot that led to Don Trollano’s marginal basket.

With the game tied at 82-all, Perez sliced throught the lane before issuing a nifty pass to Trollano, who knocked down a three-pointer with 8.3 seconds left.

Justin Brownlee then missed a three-pointer in the next play. Scottie Thompson collared the offensive rebound but also badly missed a triple as time ran out, sealing San Miguel’s comeback win.

Justin Patton added 19 points and Trollano had 12 as the Beermen survived the meager six-point output by main man June Mar Fajardo to escape with their third win in five games.

Ginebra fell to 2-2 (win-loss) despite a 31-point performance by resident import Justin Brownlee. RJ Abarrientos chipped in 16 points and Stephen Holt had 11 but Thompson, a former MVP, scored just three points in the defeat.

THE SCORES:

SAN MIGUEL (85) - Perez 20, Patton 19, Trollano 12, Tautuaa 8, Fajardo 6, Cahilig 6, Rosales 6, Cruz 4, Lassiter 4, Tiongson 0.

GINEBRA (82) -Brownlee 31, Abarrientos 16, Holt 11, Rosario 7, Go 6, Torres 5, Thompson 3, Grey 3.QUARTERSCORES: 12-26, 35-36, 58-66, 85-82.(CCM)