PBA: San Miguel Beer shakes off poor start to beat Meralco

San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo during a game against Meralco in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel Beer overcame a horrible start to defeat Meralco, 103-92, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Beermen were outscored 19-2 by the Bolts in the first four and a half minutes of the game before turning things around to bolster their quarterfinal chances with a 5-5 record.

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“This game is really important for us. It’s important for Meralco too but we know we need to win so we don’t get eliminated. This was very crucial,” SMB coach Leo Austria said.

“The other teams know they have a chance and we don’t know yet what will happen. We aren’t assured of anything yet but at least we have a chance.”

San Miguel broke a 67-deadlock in the third, going on a 26-13 run to take a 93-80 lead on a Chris Ross 3-pointer at the 6:34 mark of the final frame.

The Bolts battled back and pulled within four after a basket by Marvin Jones with still 1:13 remaning, but Beermen import Bennie Boatwright made a pair free throws and June Mar Fajardo added one of his own to keep Meralco at bay.

READ: PBA: San Miguel banks on Bennie Boatwright to steady ship

Boatwright and Fajardo recorded double-doubles. Fajardo had 19 points and 17 rebounds, while Boatwright tallied 16 and 11.

Don Trollano and CJ Perez also hit double digits in scoring with 16 and 14, respectively.

Jones tallied 26 points and 13 rebounds for the Bolts, who dropped to 5-3 good for fifth place. Chris Newsome added 18.