All-Filipino Beermen outlast Elite in OT

PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel Beer played all-Filipino and still managed to beat Blackwater, 99-96, in overtime in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday night at Cuneta Astrodome.

June Mar Fajardo put up import numbers with 30 points on 11-of-19 shooting from the field and 13 rebounds to help fill the void left by explosive reinforcement Dez Wells, who was sidelined with a severe left ankle sprain.

Terrence Romeo added 20 and three assists for the Beermen, who climbed to third place with a 6-3 card, gaining a half-game lead over idle Barangay Ginebra (5-3).

Blackwater erased an 88-79 deficit after going on a 9-0 run following three 3-pointers by KG Canaleta and Mac Belo inside the last two minutes to force overtime.

Canaleta’s second triple during the crucial stretch with 56.6 ticks to go in regulation paved way for extra time with both teams knotted at 88.

The Beermen went on their own 8-0 spurt in OT capped by a layup by Romeo to seal the game, 98-92, with 1:10 remaining.

Mac Belo led the Elite (2-8) in scoring with 25 points on top of eight rebounds while Marqus Blakely had 24 points, 18 rebounds and four assists with six steals and three blocks to boot.