Lassiter sinks game-winner as SMB eliminates Alaska from playoff contention

Marcio Lassiter banked the game-winning three-pointer as the San Miguel Beermen ran away with a 101-100 victory over the Alaska Aces to gain a much-needed boost before the playoffs on Wednesday in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup in Pampanga.

Down 98-100 with 3 seconds left to play in the final quarter, SMB relied on Lassiter who buried a crucial triple from the corner off an assist from CJ Perez as they formally put an end to the  Aces' playoff bid.

The Beermen are already assured of a playoff ticket on the strength of their 7-4 card but their seed will be determined on the last elimination games on Thursday.

"We need to win this game to get the momentum before heading to the playoffs. Coach (Leo Austria) told us to just play our game so that in the playoffs, we play well," Perez said in the post-game press conference.

Before the huge triple from Lassiter, a layup from Jeron Teng tied the match at 98-apiece with 1:04 left. Abu Tratter then gave back the lead to Alaska after sinking a mid-range jumper,  100-98.

SMB whistled for its last timeout to design the play for Lassiter, who finished with 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists while Perez led the offensive charge with 20 markers, six boards, and four steals.

"We don't care if we're in the quarterfinals already but what we wanted to have today is the W," said Austria. "It's better to get into the quarterfinals with momentum."

The scores:

San Miguel 101 - Perez 20, Fajardo 17, Ross 17, Tautuaa 15, Lassiter 13, Pessumal 9, Santos 7, Zamar 3, Gamalinda 0

Alaska 100 - Tratter 24, Brondial 17,  Herndon 15, Casio 11, Digregorio 9, Teng 9, Ahanmisi 5, Adamos 3, Banal 3, Ilagan 2, Stockton 2,

Quarter scores: 33-19, 43-47, 75-77, 101-100

—MGP, GMA News