Eric Dawson vs Alex Mallari and Rafi Reavis. Nuki Sabio/PBA
MANILA, Philippines — San Mig Coffee showcased resiliency down the stretch in snapping Meralco’s streak with a 76-71 win Friday in the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
With the sight of Joe Devance being carried out to the dugout and Alex Mallari icing his sprained ankle at the sidelines, the Mixers clawed back into the game after playing catch up all night.
“There are many things that didn’t go our way this game. But we kept battling and battling,” said head coach Tim Cone.
When San Mig Coffee finally seized the lead 63-62 early in the fourth then stretched it to five, Meralco came right back to tie the game at 69.
But the next time they got space, which was at 75-71 with 2:15 to play on a jumper by Denzel Bowles, the Mixers turned to their defense to stay in front.
“The thing I like with our team even though we struggle, we do a good job on defense,” said Cone as his squad could’ve lead early on if not for its unforced turnovers.
The Bolts, who was riding on a three-game streak prior to Friday, had ample time and countless chances to make a run with two minutes left.
But San Mig Coffee stuck with Meralco’s scorers, who’ve had success down the stretch in the past, like white on rice and kept them scoreless for the last 3:22 minutes.
Bowles led with 23 markers while James Yap lit up with 19, including a triple early in the fourth which started the ball rolling for San Mig Coffee.
Devance had to leave the game with 6:26 in the third. He was running to block a breakway attempt by Hodge but ended up hurting his knee.
The scores:
San Mig Coffee 76 –Bowles 23, Yap 19, Simon 9, Pingris 7, Mallari 6, Devance 6, Barroca 2, Najorda 2, Reavis 2, De Ocampo 0.
Meralco 71 –Dawson 20, Hodge 14, Ross 10, Hugnatan 8, Artadi 6, Salvacion 6, Reyes 5, Buenafe 2, Manuel 0, Guevarra 0, Cardona 0, Sharma 0.
Quarters: 15-25; 34-38; 56-58; 76-71