The “Beer-acle” run stays alive and will go to a do-or-die Game 7.
The Beermen forced a winner-take-all game in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup finals after a 100-89 win over Alaska Friday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The defending All-Filipino Cup champions became the first team in the league history to force a deciding game after trailing 0-3 in a series, according to PBA head statistician Fidel Mangonon.
But coach Leo Austria refused to be overwhelmed with the feat, saying “We achieved nothing yet. We just tied the series.”
The outspoken coach, however, was happy to note the difference after his team fell to a 0-3 hole.
“What I noticed from my players is that since Game 4, nandoon yung urge nilang manalo,” said Austria. “The sense of urgency and the heart of champion prevailed. Yung experience nila last season, they know how to win and how to lose. This time, binigay na nila lahat ng nalalaman nila and I’m happy for them because they played smarter this time around.”
Marcio Lassiter lit up for San Miguel with 26 points, on a 4-of-6 clip from threes, alongside nine rebounds, while June Mar Fajardo tallied 16 markers and seven boards despite limited minutes.
Yancy de Ocampo also stepped up big with 14 points and six rebounds, Arwind Santos added a double-double with 10 markers and 15 boards, and Alex Cabagnot also got 10.
The Beermen became the only team in PBA history to battle back from a 0-3 deficit to force a deciding game. They eye something grander on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena when the two teams clash for one final time for the right to be called champion
“I believe in miracles,” said Austria. “Every day, every second may nangyayari. But Game 7 is winner-take-all. We expect Wednesday to be a same tough game.”
Vic Manuel carried Alaska with 21 points and four rebounds, while Calvin Abueva wound up with a near double-double of 17 markers and nine rebounds before being ejected late in the game.
RJ Jazul has 13 points, and JVee Casio got 11 in the defeat.
The scores:
SAN MIGUEL 100 – Lassiter 26, Fajardo 16, De Ocampo 14, Cabagnot 10, Santos 10, Ross 8, Tubid 7, Espinas 4, Heruela 2, Lutz 2, Arana 1.
ALASKA 89 – Manuel 21, Abueva 17, Jazul 13, Casio 11, Thoss 8, Baclao 6, Banchero 6, Menk 3, Baguio 2, Exciminiano 2, Dela Cruz 0, Hontiveros 0.
Quarters: 22-29, 51-49, 67-66, 100-89