San Miguel holds off Rain or Shine to claim solo top spot

San Miguel held off a gritty Rain or Shine squad, 99-93, to book back-to-back wins and claim the top spot of the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

SMB, coming off a convincing win over Converge last Sunday, improved to 5-1 while Rain or Shine extended its losing streak to five for a 1-5 slate.

The Beermen were in front in the first half, leading by as many as 11 points, 46-35, off a Simon Enciso basket with 2:02 left in the second period. But the Elasto Painters staged some late rallies, going into the break within just four, 49-45.

Rain or Shine continued to keep SMB at bay, even gaining the lead for the first time, 62-61, after Rey Nambatac completed a fastbreak off a dish from Andrei Caracut with 5:45 left in the third frame.

But SMB would build another 11-point cushion, 95-84, after Rodney Brondial made a bucket late in the payoff period.

Rain or Shine closed the gap to five, 95-90, but back-to-back baskets from Jericho Cruz and Brondial proved crucial as SMB cruised to the win.

Brondial finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, and one assist but it was CJ Perez who led the team in offense, finishing with 21 markers, five dimes, and four boards.

Marcio Lassiter chipped in 16 points as well while June Mar Fajardo manend the paint with his double-double of 10 points and 16 rebounds to go with seven assists.

—JMB, GMA News