Alex Cabagnot propels San Miguel past NorthPort in PBA Philippine Cup QF clash

The returning Alex Cabagnot towed the San Miguel Beermen past the NorthPort Batang Pier, 88-87, in Game 1 of the best-of-three quarterfinals in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday in Pampanga.

Cabagnot, who made his return from a knee injury, delivered the game-winner as part of his game-high 20 points to help the Beermen draw first blood against the Batang Pier.

He also spoiled a clutch performance from Robert Bolick, who almost handed the win to NorthPort.

Trailing by as many as 11 points earlier in the fourth period, Bolick converted on a layup and drew a foul to cut their deficit down to one, 85-84, with 1:05 left.

San Miguel and NorthPort went on to exchange fouls and missed shots, until a foul by Bolick on Cabagnot brought the Beerman to the stripe with seven ticks left. Cabagnot split the charities, giving them a slim lead, 86-84.

But after a timeout, another big play from Bolick, this time a three-pointer, almost delivered the win for NorthPort, 87-86.

However, after an SMB timeout, Cabagnot gave the lead back to them on a fadeaway shot, which eventually sealed the deal.

The Beermen led the majority of the game, with the halftime score 44-43 in their favor.

Aside from the game-winner, Cabagnot shot 7-for-13 (53%) from the field and 5-for-6 (83%) from the line in a strong showing for his San Miguel team.

Mo Tautuaa added 15 points while Fajardo registered 10 markers and 11 boards. Arwind Santos flirted with a double-double with nine points and 11 rebounds.

Bolick, who came close to being the hero of the game, logged 13 points and seven assists for the Batang Pier. Sean Anthony added 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists while Greg Slaughter chipped in with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Earlier, the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok won their quarterfinals series opener against the Rain or Shine Elastopainters, 81-70.

The scores:

San Miguel 88 – Cabagnot 20, Tautuaa 15, Perez 14, Ross 12, Fajardo 10, Santos 9, Lassiter 8,  Gotladera 0, Zamar 0, Pessumal 0.

NorthPort 87 – Anthony 16, Slaughter 15, Malonzo 13, Bolick 13, Taha 10, Ferrer 8, Onwubere 7, Elorde 3, Rike 2, Lanete 0, Balanza 0.

Quarterscores: 21-19, 44-43, 65-60, 88-87

—JMB, GMA News