Out of rhythm in return, Marcio Lassiter working to get touch back in Game 2

MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel Beer sniper Marcio Lassiter returned from a back injury just in time for Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals against Magnolia Wednesday night.

But his shooting hasn’t. At least not yet.

Although his back is fine, Lassiter admitted that he’s still groping for form due to the long layoff.

“My back is good. [The pain] is something that I had from the previous games but I feel a lot better. I’m just gonna get my rhythm going for the next games,” Lassiter told reporters after a 99-94 loss.

The 31-year-old Lassiter, who played 32 minutes, went scoreless after missing all of his eight shots, including the potential game-tying triple in the last 20 seconds of the game.

“I think it’s more about getting my rhythm, it’s really my injury that’s affecting me because I feel good. I was out 12 days, almost two weeks since I last played long minutes so I’m just trying to get my rhythm,” he said. “I’m gonna bounce back on Game 2.”

“He had an off night but I know will be back,” said SMB head coach Leo Austria, who rued his team’s poor shot selection in the loss.

The Beermen shot just 37 percent from the field, including 9-of-36 from downtown.