San Miguel escapes, spoils Slaughter’s NorthPort debut
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MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer withstood a fourth quarter rally by NorthPort, 88-86, in the PBA Philippine Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Arwind Santos hit the game-winning jumper near the free throw line with 1.2 seconds left as the Beermen survived after blowing a 16-point lead.
Article continues after this advertisement🎥 Arwind for the lead… YESSIR!
88-86 SMB 4q 1.2 secs
NorthPort ball#PBAItuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/dm7Ov3VbUA— PBA (@pbaconnect) July 25, 2021
CJ Perez scored a team-high 18 points that went with eight rebounds and five steals for San Miguel Beer, which won its second straight game after dropping its opener.
Santos, who got called for a technical foul with 7.3 ticks remaining that led to a game-tying free throw by Robert Bolick, added 17 points, five rebounds and three blocks.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Beermen also spoiled the debut of Greg Slaughter for the Batang Pier, who acquired the 7-foot center in a blockbuster trade with Barangay Ginebra last March.
In his first game back since the 2019 Governors’ Cup Finals last January 2020, a reinvigorated Slaughter put up game-highs of 23 points and 17 rebounds in close to 38 minutes of action.
Slaughter played a key role in NorthPort’s comeback bid in which it outscored San Miguel, 21-5, before Santos’ go-ahead basket.
But not even the big boost provided by Slaughter was enough to give NorthPort the victory as it fell to 1-2.
