PBA: San Miguel seals Game 1 on Ginebra’s late lapses

San Miguel defeated Barangay Ginebra, 92-90, to take Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

From being down by five, 90-85, with 2:37 left in the final frame, Ginebra tied the game at 90 with a three-point play by Christian Standhardinger and a basket by Tony Bishop. Coming off a timeout, Standhardinger fouled June Mar Fajardo which brought the latter to the line where he split his freebies. 

Standhardinger attempted for a basket but missed, then Chris Ross grabbed the rebound but was fouled by Maverick Ahanmisi. Ginebra called for time as Ross missed his first free throw before missing another one, then Fajardo grabbed the ball.

Bishop then was called for a foul on Fajardo who sank only one of two free throws, before Scottie Thompson caught the ball.

Ginebra had the chance to tie or win the game but a turnover by Standhardinger cost the game for the crowd favorites.

CJ Perez posted his conference-high 26 points, while import Bennie Boatwright had 23 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists as the Beermen drew first blood in the best-of-five series.

Standhardinger had 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Bishop had 20 points and 11 boards for Ginebra.

Game 2 of the series will be played on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Scores:

San Miguel 92 – Perez 26, Boatwright 23, Fajardo 18, Trollano 10, Lassiter 7, Cruz 6, Teng 2, Ross 0, Enciso 0, Tautuaa 0.

Ginebra 90 – Standhardinger 21, Bishop 20, Thompson 15, Malonzo 11, Pringle 9, Ahanmisi 6, J.Aguilar 6, Tenorio 0, Pessumal 0.

Quarters: 28-20, 47-47, 73-73, 92-90.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News