By ADRIAN STEWART CO
San Miguel Beermen nearly wasted a lead as high as 33 points before holding off the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 114-93, in the 2022-2023 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City on Sunday night, January 29.
Leading 62-29 in the second quarter after a basket by June Mar Fajardo, the Beermen were stunned by a furious second half uprising by the Fuel Masters to cut the deficit to 87-97.
However, the Beermen got a quick response on three-pointers by Marcio Lassiter and Simon Enciso, a three-point play and a two-point basket by Cameron Clark to restore a 21-point edge.
Clark led the way with 23 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Fajardo chipped in double-double 19 points and 13 rebounds as the Beermen kicked off their season-ending conference campaign on a winning note.
Jaymar Perez also made his presence felt for the Beermen with 18 points, Allyn Bulanadi had a solid Beermen debut with 16 points, while Enciso and Lassiter added 14 and 11 markers, respectively.
Du’vaughn Maxwell tallied 21 points and 14 rebounds, Larry Muyang chipped in 15 markers, while Encho Serrano and Jason Perkins had 12 points each as the Fuel Masters dropped to 0-3.
Meanwhile, Converge FiberXers avoided an endgame meltdown to beat Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, 111-109, and notch solo first place with its 3-0 record. The Hotshots opened its campaign with a loss.
Comfortably ahead at 106-95 after two free throws by Aljun Melecio, the Hotshots got a three-pointer from Jerrick Ahanmisi, a four-point play and a dunk by Eric McCree to cut the deficit to 104-106.
Jamaal Franklin got two free throws and a three-pointer to widen the FiberXers’ lead to 111-105, before McCree rallied the Hotshots back, 109-111, with a free throw and a completed three-point play. McCree had a chance to win it, but missed his trey at the buzzer.
Franklin finished with 26 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks, Maverick Ahanmisi added 22 markers, Alec Stockton chipped in a career-high 18 points as Melecio and Teng also ended with double-digits with 14 and 11, respectively, for Converge.
SAN MIGUEL 114 — Clark 23, Fajardo 19, Perez 18, Bulanadi 16, Enciso 14, Lassiter 11, Tautuaa 9, Cruz 2, Brondial 2, Ross 0.
PHOENIX 93 — Maxwell 21, Muyang 15, Perkins 12, Serrano 12, Alejandro 9, Jazul 8, Manganti 4, Tio 4, Camacho 2, Soyud 2, Lojera 0, Lalata 0, Go 0.
Quarterscores: 42-21, 66-37, 89-68, 114-93./ASC, WDJ