Beermen escape Fuel Masters for share of third place

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ANTIPOLO—San Miguel held off a tough endgame from Phoenix to escape with a 109-107 victory in the PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday at Ynares Sports Center here.

The Beermen improved to 7-3 and created a logjam at third place with TNT and NLEX while the Fuel Masters, who failed to qualify for the quarterfinals, slipped to their ninth straight loss and a 2-9 card.

With the game tied at 100, Terrence Watson took charge and muscled his way inside for four straight points to give San Miguel a 104-100 lead with 1:46 left in the game.

Arwind Santos then, stole the ball from Brandon Brown at the 27-second mark and this led to June Mar Fajardo’s two free throws that gave the Beermen a 106-100 bubble.

“I realized it’s really hard to win a game especially when you go up against a team that has everything to gain nothing to lose,” said Beermen head coach Leo Austria. “Phoenix’ pride is still there and they really want to win.”

San Miguel enjoyed a bevy of double-double performances from three individuals with Terrence Watson leading the way with 26 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and three blocks.

Reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo put up 24 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and six blocks while point guard Alex Cabagnot had 24 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists.

Brown had a game-high 30 points with 17 boards to lead the Fuel Masters.