San Miguel gets back-to-back wins ahead of final elims game

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San Miguel bagged a second straight victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after fending off Blackwater, 124-113, Wednesday at Cuneta Astrodome.

The Beermen, who have yet to play their final game, improved to 8-2 to tie Ginebra and Star but the Hotshots will play their last game later in the evening.

San Miguel also chalked up their first win streak since beginning the conference at 5-0.

Despite the win, Beermen head coach Leo Austria said he was dissatisfied with how his team allowed itself to be lambasted in the first half after the 2-9 Elite took a 72-56 lead after the second quarter.

“We were down by 16 points and that 16-point lead forced us to work hard,” said Austria. “I think that game was the scariest game I’ve experienced this season. We were down and everybody from our opponent had the momentum and wanted to upset us.”

“The players realized they have to work hard. We have talent but talent alone cannot win games, you need to work hard.”

San Miguel gained its composure late in the third when it capped off a blistering 27-9 run with Alex Cabagnot giving the Beermen an 83-81 lead with 3:52 remaining in the period.

Charles Rhodes had a game-high 32 points to lead San Miguel while three-time MVP June Mar Fajardo had 28 points and seven rebounds.

Marcio Lassiter not only provided the offensive punch but also the defensive tenacity when he finished with 21 points, six rebounds, and eight steals for the Beermen.

Greg Smith led the Elite with 21 points and 22 boards.