PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines — Arwind Santos turned in an all-around performance even as the returning June Mar Fajardo gave Petron a lift in the 98-87 win over Globalport Friday in the 2014 PLDT MyDSL PBA Philippine Cup.
Santos finished with 25 points and starred in a pivotal run midway the payoff period which created separation, turning a 79-80 deficit to a 90-80 lead, for the Blaze Boosters.
“It was a tough win for us especially in the second half. We got defensive guys pitching in and stepping up for us,” said head coach Gee Abanilla.
Fajardo, who was sidelined with an injury just before Christmas last year, finished with 12 points and six rebounds in his comeback.
“June Mar gave us a different look tonight. It’s really different when he’s playing, offensively and defensively,” said Abanilla.
Marcio Lassiter, meanwhile, poured the bulk of his 16 points in the second half, while Chris Lutz provided the offensive spark in the fourth by scoring seven of his 13.
Guard Alex Cabagnot had a rare triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 13 dimes.
The game was knotted at 68 by the end of the third and up to the early goings of the fourth period, but the Batang Pier just threw the ball away and the Blaze Boosters were there to turn it into gold.
Globalport, which reeled to its fifth straight setback and tied with Alaska at 4-8 in the bottom part of the table, were doomed by 22 turnovers.
Jaypee Belencion led Globalport with 21 points in a hot-shooting night, while Sol Mercado and Kelly Nabong added 16 and 15 points, respectively.