MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel kept its historic PBA bid alive as it dragged Magnolia to a winner-take-all match in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup finals with a 98-86 win at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, May 12.

Seeking to become the first PBA team to win 5 straight All-Filipino crowns, the Beermen found a way through the Hotshots’ stifling defense in Game 6 to level the best-of-seven affair at 3-3.

Magnolia managed to inch within 6 points entering the final frame, 62-68, but San Miguel pulled away for good with a 14-1 run and never looked back.

This is the first time the Beermen won a game in the series despite scoring less than 100 points. 

“You can see from the players they don’t want to lose. We now have a good chance to grab it again,” said winning head coach Leo Austria. 

June Mar Fajardo was his usual self with 23 points, 18 rebounds, and 2 blocks while Marcio Lassiter rediscovered his lethal form with 20 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals in the win. 

Chris Ross torched the Hotshots’ defense with 5 triples to finish with 17 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds while Christian Standhardinger provided solid contribution off the bench with 15 points. 

Magnolia had more players in double figures compared to San Miguel with 5, but it failed to overcome its slow start as it never held the lead throughout.

Jio Jalalon put up 17 points, 8 assists, and 3 rebounds in the losing effort while Ian Sangalang and Rafi Reavis added 14 and 13 points, respectively, and conjoined for 10 boards. 

Game 7 is on Wednesday, May 15, at the same venue. 

The Scores

San Miguel 98 – Fajardo 23, Lassiter 20, Ross 17, Standhardinger 16, Romeo 9, Santos 8, Cabagnot 3, Rosser 0, Pessumal 0.

Magnolia 86 – Jalalon 17, Reavis 16, Sangalang 14, Brondial 12, Lee 10, Barroca 6, Dela Rosa 5, Herndon 5, Melton 4, Simon 0, Pascual 0.

Quarters: 25-12, 50-36, 68-62, 98-86.

– Rappler.com