Cabagnot’s heroics lift SMB past TNT for 9th straight win

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ANTIPOLO — Alex Cabagnot was clutch anew and surging San Miguel Beer edged TNT, 98-94, for its ninth straight win in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup Saturday night at Ynares Center here.

Cabagnot buried a game-winning triple, 97-94, with 26.7 seconds left as the top-seeded Beermen head into the quarterfinals with a 10-1 record.

“This kind of game is we really need going into the playoffs and we have to take it up a notch in the quarterfinals, we have to work harder in the next round because everybody will try to beat us,” said SMB head coach Leo Austria.

Cabagnot, who has knack for hitting big shots down the stretch, finished with 19 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the three-point area.

“He’s not Mr. Clutch for nothing,” Austria said of his veteran guard.

“They know the importance of this win because we want to develop a good habit.”

The KaTropa took a 94-90 lead before the Beermen went on an 8-0 run inside the final three minutes.