Lassiter waxes hot, hits 1k career triples as SMB gets second straight win at NLEX's expense

Marcio Lassiter hit a career milestone on Friday as the San Miguel Beermen notched its second straight win in the 2022 PBA Philippine Card at the expense of the NLEX Road Warriors, 100-92, on Friday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

Lassiter hit his 1000th career triple during the second quarter of the match, making him the ninth member of the elite club whose members include Allan Caidic, Ronnie Magsanoc, Al Solis, Jimmy Alapag, Dondon Hontiveros, James Yap, LA Tenorio, and Arwind Santos, according to PBA statistician Fidel Mangonon III.

The Road Warriors controlled the game and had the lead before the midway point of the third quarter, but SMB went on a 7-0 charge to tie the game at 65 at the 5:37 mark. SMB reclaimed the lead minutes later and maintained their pace until the fourth period to take the win.

Lassiter drilled four triples in the game on top of three rebounds and two assists. CJ Perez, meanwhile, had 19 points, six rebounds and five assists, while June Mar Fajardo had 14 rebounds and nine points.

Don Trollano's game-high 21 points were spoiled, while Calvin Oftana listed 16 markers in the loss.

The Beermen will be back in action Friday next week, while NLEX (1-1) will try to bounce back on Thursday, with the games still played in Rizal.

The scores:

SMB 100 – Perez 19, Lassiter 18, Manuel 14, Ross 13, Cruz 10, Fajardo 9, Tautuaa 7, Brondial 6, Enciso 3, Pessumal 1, Herndon 0.

NLEX 92 – Trollano 21, Oftana 16, Chua 12, Alas 10, Quinahan 10, Semerad 6, Rosales 5, Varilla 5, Fonacier 3, Soyud 2, Ighalo 2, Miranda 0.

Quarters: 25-33, 50-53, 78-73, 100-92.