PBA: Marcio Lassiter lifts San Miguel past Rain or Shine
San Miguel Beermen’s Marcio Lassiter. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Marcio Lassiter fired a three-pointer off a foul with less than a minute to go and San Miguel Beer survived pesky Rain or Shine, 115-110, Wednesday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In his second game since coming back from an ankle injury, Lassiter came through with 23 points, including the go-ahead trey off Jhonard Clarito’s foul with 43.5 seconds left that broke a 108-all tie.
Lassiter failed to complete a rare four-point play by missing the bonus free throw, but Clarito committed a turnover on the ensuing possession which virtually gave San Miguel the breathing room and a third win in four games in the season-opening conference.
Marcio dropping ‘em bombs! #PBAAngatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/ulfnXhgFjR
— PBA (@pbaconnect) November 29, 2023
Import Ivan Aska had 28 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three blocks to put the Beermen in a share of third with Barangay Ginebra and the Meralco Bolts.
June Mar Fajardo posted 16 points, seven rebounds and four blocks but hurt his left hand during the second half and played a portion of the fourth quarter with a bandage. He eventually sat out the waning moments of the close match.
Rain or Shine remained winless after five games as it couldn’t sustain another big lead like in Friday’s loss to Ginebra.
The Elasto Painters fielded new import Demetrius Treadwell, who struggled offensively with eight points on 4-of-12 shooting but had 15 rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
Rookie Adrian Nocum produced an impressive debut on both ends for 12 points and three rebounds after finally signing a PBA deal following a stint with the San Juan Knights of the MPBL.
Gian Mamuyac topscored for Rain or Shine with 33 points while Rey Nambatac tallied a season-high 16.
The scores:
SAN MIGUEL 115—Aska 28, Lassiter 23, Perez 17, Fajardo 16, Cruz 10, Enciso 6, Ross 6, Bulanadi 5, Brondial 4, Tautuaa 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 110—Mamuyac 33, Nambatac 16, Clarito 14, Nocum 12, Caracut 9, Treadwell 8, Borboran 7, Demusis 5, Belga 3, Belo 2, Santillan 1.
Quarters: 21-32, 53-53, 85-86, 115-110.
