San Miguel stops streaking NLEX, takes share of top spot

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MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel proved to be the steadier team down the stretch as it cooled off red-hot NLEX, 98-94, in the PBA Governors’ Cup Saturday (Manila time) at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

The Beermen used a 7-0 run to close out the game and improve to a 4-0 card tying TNT at the top of the standings while the Road Warriors absorbed their first loss and dropped to 3-1 for the No. 3 spot.

Down 94-91 with 1:15 left, the Grand Slam-seeking Beermen slowly chipped away at the deficit with five-time MVP June Mar Fajardo converting his free throws to put San Miguel within one, 94-93, with 1:02 left.

Dez Wells then gave San Miguel the 95-94 lead with a layup with 23 seconds left before Chris Ross went 3-of-4 from the free throw line to ice the game.

Wells lit up for the Beermen with 32 points that went with 14 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two blocks while Alex Cabagnot added 20 points.

Fajardo also had a double-double with 16 points and 18 rebounds while also rejecting two shots.

Kiefer Ravena led the Road Warriors with 20 points, five rebounds, and eight assists while Olu Ashaolu had 11 points and 20 boards.