Shabazz Muhammad vs Vince Tolentino. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel pushed its case for at top four finish after holding off Rain or Shine, 104-100, in the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen tied Alaska at the fourth spot with identical 6-4 records while the Elasto Painters dropped to a dangerous 3-7 at the 10th seed.
An eventful final minute saw the two teams exchanging shot after shot but it was San Miguel that maintained the composure, repeatedly building two-possession leads, the most crucial of which was Vic Manuel’s long jumper for the 102-98 lead with 29.2 seconds left.
“First of all we have to have a new mindset because this game is very important for us, during practice the intensity was so high even though it was a very short practice,” said Beermen head coach Leo Austria.
“The players know the situation that if you lose you won’t have a good chance to get to the quarterfinals.”
Romeo! #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/HUFRO4rMg5
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Terrence Romeo gave San Miguel a four-point cushion, 100-96, with 49.3 seconds remaining driving to the hoop for a layup against JV Mocon.
Shabazz Muhammad showed out for San Miguel with 33 points, 21 rebounds, and six assists while Manuel added 18 points off the bench.
Romeo also finished in double figures with 17 points and six assists while June Mar Fajardo pitched in 14 points and seven rebounds.
Henry Walker led the Elasto Painters with 23 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks.