PBA: San Miguel snaps losing skid, overpowers Phoenix

San Miguel put a stop to its three-game skid and crushed Phoenix, 117-100, in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Beermen got into an intoxicated 21-7 run across the third and fourth quarters to take a 92-77 on Marcio Lassiter’s layup with 8:21 left.

Things, however, got heated with 4:11 left in the game when Calvin Abueva and Kevin Murphy got tangled up in the baseline near the Phoenix bench.

This scuffle caused a momentary delay in the game as both benches exchanged verbal jabs during the break in action and these resulted to three technical fouls called against the Fuel Masters.

Technical fouls were called against Phoenix head coach Louie Alas, team manager Paolo Bugia, and big man Doug Kramer after the scuffle while Murphy was called with a flagrant penalty 1.

San Miguel’s 105-88 lead before the altercation proved to be enough for the Beermen as the Fuel Masters couldn’t muster enough fight to close the gap.

The Beermen stayed at the eighth seed while the Fuel Masters settled for a 6-2 record at the fifth spot.

“Well we’re so thankful for this win because this was a crucial one for us and I think the players proved that we can play defense because we’re often criticized that we’re not a good defensive team,” said Beermen head coach Leo Austria.

“We were able to dictate the tempo of the game and I have to give credit to these players because they had a sense of urgency and we’re in a better position to get to the next round.”

Christian Standhardinger once again filled in for the injured June Mar Fajardo and put up 29 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks for the Beermen.

Murphy finished with 26 points and seven rebounds while Marcio Lassiter had 26 points, six rebounds, and eight assists to support San Miguel’s offense.

Eugene Phelps led Phoenix with 37 points, 26 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks.