By Adrian Stewart Co

Alex Cabagnot scored on a go-ahead basket as the San Miguel Beermen cruised to a come-from-behind 72-71 victory over the Magnolia Hotshots in Game 7 of the 2019 Honda PBA Philippine Cup finals earlier this week at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The win marks the team’s 27th overall PBA title and fifth consecutive All-Filipino Conference championship.

Trailing 71-70 after a basket by the Hotshots’ Ian Sangalang at the two-minute mark, Cabagnot surged the Beermen ahead with a jumper with 57 seconds left before tightening their defense to escape with the win.

Cabagnot finished with 18 points, three rebounds, and three assists; MVP June Mar Fajardo achieved a PBA record with 31 rebounds, along with 17 markers; while Arwind Santos delivered a double-double on 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Down by as much as 17 points in the third period, the Beermen went on a huge run behind inside hits by Fajardo and outside conversions from Santos to cut the deficit to 58-50.

The Beermen continued their run in the fourth on baskets from Cabagnot, Fajardo, and Santos to take a 62-61 lead. It was a seesaw battle until the Hotshots led for the last time at 71-70./ASC, WDJ