Beermen edge Elite behind Millsap

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BIÑAN—San Miguel finished off its PBA Governors’ Cup in a strong yet uncertain manner after fending off Blackwater, 107-101, Sunday at Alonte Sports Arena here.

The Beermen, though, will have to wait for the result of the Barangay Ginebra-TNT duel before they can determine their seeding. A loss by the Gin Kings will award the No. 2 spot to the Beermen.

And Blackwater is not exactly in elite company as it absorbs its ninth straight loss. 

San Miguel had a 17-point lead in the second quarter, 38-31, but the Elite managed to cut it to four, 50-46, in the third and Beermen head coach Leo Austria blamed himself for his team’s near collapse. 

“First of all that was my fault and it was because of my unusual rotation,” said Austria whose team finished the eliminations at 8-3. “We know we can win this game and I wanted to give playing time to the other players.”

San Miguel was able to weather the storm in the fourth with a 16-2 run with Ronal Tubid capping it off with a triple giving the Beermen a 91-79 lead. 

Austria added his team has to show the pride they have and not let the momentum slip away from them. 

“Sabi ko sa kanila, ‘let us talk about the pride,'” said Austria. “‘Every time you’re inside let’s give a hundred percent effort.'”

Returning import Elijah Millsap had a game-high 25 points for San Miguel while Arwind Santos added 19 points and seven boards. 

Reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo tallied 18 points for the Beermen. 

Rookie Art dela Cruz led the Elite with 23 points.