PBA: Big third saves San Miguel from falling prey to Converge

San Miguel Beermen’s CJ Perez in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES

San Miguel Beer’s third quarter explosion in handing winless Converge another frustrating defeat on Friday was another indication of its lofty billing, provided coach Jorge Gallent’s system is followed to the letter.

“If we share the ball, we’re a great team. If we don’t share the ball, we’re not a great team,” Gallent said after the Beermen improved to 6-0 in the PBA Philippine Cup after a 112-103 win at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Beermen kept their unbeaten run in the all-Filipino tournament, thanks largely to a 51-point output in the third frame anchored by veteran shooter Marcio Lassiter, as San Miguel turned a half-time deficit of seven into a lead that went to as high as 25.

READ: PBA: Jericho Cruz credits veterans for San Miguel success

That period also saw San Miguel dish out 14 of its 17 assists which resulted in that crippling scoring spree that again left the FiberXers denied in their latest search for an elusive first win.

First qualifier

Converge dropped to 0-8 and lost for the 12th straight time dating back to the import-flavored Commissioner’s Cup.

For San Miguel, the victory virtually assured the tournament’s titleholder a seat in the quarterfinals with still a handful of games to go.

The win over Converge also served as the start of San Miguel’s busy stretch of games to conclude the eliminations, with NorthPort, now at 4-4 after three straight defeats, next on Sunday at the same venue.

READ: SCHEDULE: PBA Commissioner’s Cup

Lassiter scored 19 points, hitting 17 in that third quarter surge highlighted by five three-pointers for a tally that moved him one shy of tying Blackwater’s James Yap for fourth all-time in triples made at 1,194.

“I felt like they controlled the pace and tempo in the first half and we honestly kinda fell into it,” said Lassiter. “We made better adjustments in the second half, controlling our tempo and not falling to the fast-paced game, and taking good shots.”

He was one of five players in double figures for the Beermen, including topscorer CJ Perez with 25 and Terrence Romeo hitting 18 off the bench.

June Mar Fajardo added 14 points, 17 rebounds, three assists and four blocks in his latest battle with sophomore slot man Justin Arana, who was again left to endure another difficult outing for Converge.

Arana had 18 points, but grabbed just four boards as guard Alec Stockton’s 36 points led the FiberXers.