San Miguel overcomes Globalport behind Santos’ heroics

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

San Miguel bounced back and sank Globalport, 115-112, to get its third win in the PBA Governors’ Cup Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen, who are coming off a three-week break, had to rely on late-game heroics from Arwind Santos, who made the game’s final free throw and disrupted Murphy Holloway’s potential-game tying shot.

“Even though the players played sluggish, we were able to to come out as winners and I’m happy for them,” said San Miguel head coach Leo Austria as they improved to 3-1.

Despite taking a 112-104 lead with 2:12 remaining in the game, the Beermen weren’t able to easily shake off the Batang Pier as the latter pounded to make it a one-possession game, 114-112, on the nine-second mark.

Compounding San Miguel’s situation was June Mar Fajardo’s injury.

The three-time MVP is still nursing his injured right calf he sustained before the Fiba Asia Championship.

“I was not able to give June Mar a lot of minutes because of his injury and he wasn’t able to join practice for the past two days because he’s still recuperating,” said Austria.

Still, San Miguel enjoyed a three-pronged attack with Wendell McKines doing the most damage with 35 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists.

Santos added 30 points to go along eight boards and five blocks while Alex Cabagnot had 27 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

Terrence Romeo led Globalport with 26 points and six boards while Holloway added 25 points and 23 boards.