Star stops San Miguel, stays unbeaten

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Star blew a big lead late before surviving San Miguel Beer, 104-98, in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup Friday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ian Sangalang capped his double-double effort of 18 points and 11 rebounds with four game-sealing free throws in the final 10 seconds for the Hotshots, who climbed to 3-0 and dealt the Beermen their first loss in three games.

“It’s all about team effort. It’s all about the teamwork and the game plan of the coaches,” said Star head coach Chito Victolero.

The Beermen, who played without their reigning three-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, went on a 12-2 run after Arwind Santos’ putback cut the Hotshots’ lead down to two, 97-95, with 1:11 remaining.

Malcolm Hill also helped Star keep San Miguel at bay with a clutch triple, 100-95, with 1:02 left. Hill finished with 20 points and nine rebounds.

Wendell McKines powered the Beermen with 27 points and 22 rebounds but he missed a potential game-tying basket with Hill contesting his attempt underneath the basket inside the last 20 seconds.

Marcio Lassiter added 24 points with his third and final 3-pointer pulling SMB within two, 100-98, with 20.3 ticks remaining before Sangalang went 4-of-4 from the free throw line to end the game.

Fajardo is expected to be out at least two weeks due to a calf injury he sustained in San Miguel’s 97-91 win over TNT on Wednesday.