San Miguel celebrates last-minute victory over TNT in Game 2. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines — Marcio Lassiter scored on a last-second putback and San Miguel Beer stunned TNT, 98-96, in Game 2 to tie the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series Wednesday at DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Lassiter converted on the Beermen’s third try as time expired, capping a furious fightback from 19 points down late in the third quarter.
“We’re lucky that we converted at the right time,” said SMB head coach Leo Austria, whose squad bounced back from a sorry 89-88 loss in Game 1 on Sunday.
“We were down but they kept fighting,” Austria added.
Romeo baseline drive; SMB down 79-84 #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/tjtJC6NgqJ
— PBA (@pbaconnect) October 6, 2021
Lassiter scored four of San Miguel’s last six points inside the final 23 seconds but it was Terrence Romeo who spearheaded the Beermen’s rally.
Romeo fired 24 of his 26 points in the second half including five straight that pulled SMB within one, 92-93, with 1:22 left.
June Mar Fajardo had a dominant first half on his way to 22 points that went with 10 rebounds for the Beermen, who will go for the series lead on Friday at 6 p.m.
Alex Cabagnot added 14 points while Lassiter had seven points and eight rebounds.
After scoring 23 in the series opener, Roger Pogoy tallied 21 points for the Tropang Giga, who tied the game at 96 on a Troy Rosario triple with six ticks to go.
The Beermen go for the series lead on Friday at 6 p.m.