Lassiter banks in game-winning 3 as SMB seizes 2-1 semis lead over Star

MANILA, Philippines – Marcio Lassiter knocked down the game-winning 3-pointer off the glass as the clock ran out to lift the San Miguel Beermen over the Star Hotshots, 111-110, in Game 3 of the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Wednesday, June 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Lassiter’s big go-ahead shot overturned a late two-point deficit and gave the Beermen a crucial 2-1 lead in the best-of-5 series, with Game 4 to be played on Friday, June 16.

Coach Leo Austria described Lassiter’s clutch bucket as “ala Steph Curry” given that Lassiter is a known huge Golden State Warriors fan.

“I’m happy for Marcio because we know Golden State won, and he’s a big fan of Golden State so [now] he’s taking a shot like Steph Curry,” he said. The Warriors just clinched the NBA title over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, June 12 (Tuesday in Manila).

Lassiter finished with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Charles Rhodes scattered 36 points with 7 rebounds and 3 blocks, while Chris Ross put up 27 points, including a 14-point third quarter, to go with 8 boards and 8 dimes.

June Mar Fajardo added 18 points and 8 rebounds in another close victory for the Beermen.

Ricardo Ratliffe posted a game-high 44 points with 19 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 blocks in an impressive showing. He also poured 13 markers in the fourth.

But his would-be game-winner – a well-executed spin move in a one-on-one play at the post against Rhodes that broke the 108-all deadlock with 13 seconds left – was negated by Lassiter’s even bigger basket.

Paul Lee contributed 21 markers and 5 assists, while Ian Sangalang and Jio Jalalon had 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Scores:

San Miguel (111): Rhodes 36, Ross 27, Fajardo 18, Lassiter 12, Cabagnot 9, Santos 6, Tubid 3, Heruela 0. 

Star (110): Ratliffe 44, Lee 21, Sangalang 11, Jalalon 10, Barroca 9, Maliksi 7, Simon 3, Ramos 3, Reavis 2, Melton 0. 

Quarter scores: 32-28, 56-52, 85-81, 111-110.

– Rappler.com