Lassiter leads the way as Beermen beat Blackwater

Marcio Lassiter led the way for San Miguel. KC Cruz

Marcio Lassiter came off the bench for 20 points, nine boards, five assists and three steals to lead the San Miguel Beermen to a 93-83 victover over the Blackwater Elite on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Beermen recovered from its first loss in the Philippine Cup for a 3-1 record, while the Elite fell to 1-3.

"We're happy we bounced back this game," said San Miguel coach Leo Austria.

But his squad had to go through the eye of the needle against Blackwater, which was behind by just three points, 84-81, with four minutes left in the game.

"I knew from the start it will not be an easy game for us, Blackwater's confidence is high," said Austria of the Elite, which was coming off their first franchise win in the Philippine Cup against Meralco last week.

Alex Cabagnot and June Mar Fajardo combined to put the finishing touches for the victory as San Miguel used a 9-2 kick to put the game away.

"Credit to Cabagnot and June Mar," said Austria. "Alex really wants to win." —JST, GMA News

The scores:

SAN MIGUEL 93 - Fajardo 20, Lassiter 20, Cabagnot 15, Santos 10, Tubid 9, Espinas 8, Reyes 3, Arana 2, De Ocampo 2, Heruela 2, Lutz 2, Ross 0.

BLACKWATER 83 - Erram 23, Cortez 15, Gamalinda 14, Lastimosa 14, Dela Cruz 4, Sena 4, Canada 2, Cervantes 2, Reyes 2, Vosotros 2, Melano 1, Agovida 0, Ballesteros 0.

Quarters: 24-19, 44-44, 72-70, 93-83