San Miguel forces historic Game 7 with Alaska

MANILA, Philippines – Already the team with the most championships in PBA lore, the San Miguel Beermen added even more history to their resume on Friday, January 29.

San Miguel beat Alaska, 100-89, in Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals to force a Game 7 next Wednesday, February 3.

It was the third straight win for San Miguel over Alaska, whose 3-0 series lead has turned into a do-or-die game for the conference championship.

San Miguel became just the first team in PBA history to force a Game 7 after going down 0-3 in a series, and by winning Game 7, would complete the most improbable comeback in league history.

“We’ve achieved nothing yet,” was the first sentence San Miguel head coach Leo Austria said in his post-game presser.

“We just tied the series, but this is a very important game for us.”

It was. 

The Beermen utilized a 15-2 run to open the fourth quarter which created separation between them and the Aces, who saw a 13-point first half edge erased.

Marcio Lassiter, who scored 17 points in the final frame alone, finished with a game-high 26 points on just 7-of-13 shooting to go with 9 rebounds.

“The heart of a champion, that’s the thing that prevailed,” Austria said post-game about his team’s win, which forces the 25th Game 7 in a PBA Finals.

The do-or-die contest will take place on Wednesday, February 3, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“Game 7 on Wednesday. I think it will be good for both teams because we will have 4 days preparation prior to the winners take all,” Austria said.

That means more recovery time for big man June Mar Fajardo, who in his second game back from a left knee injury finished with 16 points and 7 rebounds in 22 minutes.

The reigning two-time league MVP did most of his damage to start the fourth period, rendering the defense of Alaska big man Noy Baclao useless.

“I think June Mar will be able to recover. Until now, I think he’s only 70%. I hope, Game 7, at least maka 85 or 90,” said Austria.

“With or without June Mar, the team, I’m very proud of them because they showed what kind of players they are.”

Arwind Santos shot just 2-of-11 from the floor but finished with 10 points and 15 rebounds. Yancy De Ocampo posted 14 points and 6 boards in 21 minutes.

Alaska was once again led in scoring by Vic Manuel, who topped with 21 points plus 9 rebounds. Calvin Abueva posted 17 points and 9 boards, but was ejected towards the end of the game for a second technical foul.

The Aces shot just 40% from the floor and only 4-of-22 from downtown, which is an issue as they go up against the Beermen’s zone defense.

San Miguel converted 38% from the field and made 8-of-22 from downtown.

Back to back baskets by Fajardo and Lassiter opened the fourth period to extend San Miguel’s lead to 72-66. 

After a pair of Chris Banchero free throws, another 3-ball by Lassiter pushed his team’s edge to 75-68 with 10:23 to go.

Fajardo then put 6 straight points on the board thanks to a basket and free throws. Following an Abueva missed 3-ball, Lassiter hit from mid range to put his club ahead 83-68 with 7:49 left.

It was all San Miguel the rest of the way.

The Beermen, who are gunning for their 21st franchise title, are also looking to make it 3 straight finals victories over Alaska, who fell to San Miguel in the 2015 Philippine and Governors’ Cup finals.

“Lahat nang stats nang (All the stats of the) first 6 games will be put into waste [in Game 7],” Austria said post-game.

“They will device another strategy to control us.”

Scores:

San Miguel (100): Lassiter 26, Fajardo 16, De Ocampo 14, Cabagnot 10, Santos 10, Ross 8, Tubid 7, Espinas 4, Heruela 2, Lutz 2, Arana 1.

Alaska (89): Manuel 21, Abueva 17, Jazul 13, Casio 11, Thoss 8, Baclao 6, Banchero 6, Menk 3, Baguio 2, Exciminiano 2, Dela Cruz 0, Hontiveros 0.

Quarter scores: 22-29, 51-49, 67-66, 100-89– Rappler.com