San Miguel takes lead in PBA Finals after clobbering Magnolia in Game 3

San Miguel vs Magnolia. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

San Miguel imposed its will and demolished Magnolia, 111-87, in Game 3 to take the upper hand in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup Finals Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Energized by the week-long break, the Beermen came out in full strength and cruised to the 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. They can inch closer to their fourth-straight all-Filipino crown on Wednesday still at the Big Dome.

“The key here is we’re able to match their energy,” said coach Leo Austria. “We even exceeded their energy and that’s because of our second unit at the start of the fourth quarter. They were the ones that really worked that’s why I opted to let them stay until the last few minutes.”

San Miguel showed it was more than just June Mar Fajardo, blowing the game wide open with a 17-3 blast in the payoff to establish a commanding 92-71 advantage even with the reigning PBA Most Valuable Player resting on the bench.

Marcio Lassiter once again waxed hot, going 5-of-9 from downtown to finish with 24 points, six rebounds, and five steals, while Chris Ross added 14 markers, four boards, and two dimes.

Fajardo wound up with 21 points and 17 rebounds as his services were no longer needed in the payoff period for San Miguel.

Arwind Santos added 14 markers, six boards, five rejections, and three steals as the Beermen got big boost from their reserves which accounted for 33 points.

Brian Heruela chimed in 11 points and two rebounds and Gabby Espinas contributed nine markers and two assists, allowing the third-stringers to see some action late in the game.

Mark Barroca was the lone bright spot for Magnolia with 22 points, four rebounds, and three steals, while Paul Lee got 15 markers, seven dimes, and three boards before exiting early in the fourth quarter with a hand injury.

The Scores:

SAN MIGUEL 111 — Lassiter 24, Fajardo 21, Ross 14, Santos 14, Heruela 11, Espinas 9, Cabagnot 5, Ganuelas-Rosser 5, Pessumal 4, Semerad 2, Vigil 2, Lanete 0, Mamaril 0.

MAGNOLIA 87 — Barroca 22, Lee 15, Ramos 12, Simon 10, Dela Rosa 6, Gamalinda 6, Jalalon 6, Sangalang 6, Brondial 0, Herndon 0, Mendoza 0, Pascual 0.

Quarters: 29-22, 50-49, 75-68, 111-87.

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