Clutch Cabagnot, Fajardo lead San Miguel to OT win

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

San Miguel pulled off another stunning come-from-behind performance, escaping with a 107-101 overtime win over Rain or Shine Friday in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup at Mall of Asia Arena.

Alex Cabagnot nailed a clutch basket with 1.8 seconds to spare in regulation and June Mar Fajardo stamped his class in the extra period as the Beermen extended their winning run to seven and stayed on top of the standings at 8-1.

“This game was against a very well-prepared team, but my players refused to lose. We’re fortunate in this game but unfortunately for Rain or Shine, Alex had something else on his mind,” said coach Leo Austria.

San Miguel pulled itself from a six-point hole, 96-90, in the final 2:38 with Cabagnot unleashing a game-tying long two against the defense of Jeff Chan. Beau Belga would muff his his potential game-clinching fadeaway as the game went to overtime.

Then the Beermen went to the three-time PBA Most Valuable Player, who helped them gain some distance early in OT, 102-96, and even drilled a backbreaking baseline jumper with 34 seconds left for 104-101 lead.

Gabe Norwood missed a three in the ensuing possession before Marcio Lassiter blocked Jewel Ponferrada on another three point attempt as Arwind Santos sealed the deal at the charity stripe with a split.

Fajardo poured 21 of his game-high 25 points in the second half and overtime, as he also hauled down 17 rebounds.

Santos chimed in 17 markers, 15 boards, and five assists, while RR Garcia also had 17 points off the bench.

Cabagnot and Lassiter both wound up with 14 in the win.

“This is a total team effort for us,” said Austria, as San Miguel weathered the Rain or Shine defense which held Fajardo to a measly four points in the first half.

Belga had 14 points and five rebounds to lead Rain or Shine (5-3), while Chris Tiu registered 13 markers.

The Scores:

SAN MIGUEL 107 – Fajardo 25, Santos 17, Garcia 17, Lassiter 14, Cabagnot 14, De Ocampo 12, Ross 4, Espinas 4, Tubid 0.

RAIN OR SHINE 101 – Belga 14, Tiu 13, Chan 11, Ponferada 9, Cruz 9, Ahanmisi 9, Maiquez 8, Washington 8, Norwood 6, Tolomia 4, Trollano 4, Yap 3, Matias 3.

Quarters: 32-28, 56-49, 71-75, 96-96, 107-101.