Perez, Manuel stand out as strong SMB finish evens series vs TNT

The San Miguel Beermen banked on a strong ending as they took their first win in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup Finals, 109-100, in Game 2 on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After leading by just three points, 82-79, at the end of the third period, the Beermen pounded it in the final frame and led by as much as 15, 107-92, with 3:00 left.

TNT, playing without head coach Chot Reyes, mounted a 6-0 run to cut their deficit to just nine before a Marcio Lassiter shot again gave the Beermen a double-digit lead and eventually the win.

CJ Perez led the way with 23 points while Vic Manuel also stood out in Game 2 with 20.

Lassiter had 19 points and six boards, while June Mar Fajardo, Jericho Cruz, and Mo Tautuaa chipped in with 13, 12, and 11 points respectively.

RR Pogoy tallied 28 markers, including six triples, and four boards, while Jayson Castro had 15 points in the TNT loss.

The series, now tied at 1-1, will be back in action for Game 3 of the best-of-seven series on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

—JMB, GMA News