PBA: San Miguel takes 2-0 series lead on another escape vs. Ginebra

San Miguel moved a win away from dethroning Barangay Ginebra after pulling off another escape, 106-96, in Game 2 of their best-of-five semifinals series in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday.

The Beermen took a commanding 2-0 series lead and could finish off the reigning champions come Sunday for Game 3 in the same venue.

San Miguel, who barely survived the Gin Kings last Wednesday, once again relied on its composure down the stretch to put away Ginebra and take full control of the series. 

Marcio Lassiter buried a three-pointer to send San Miguel to a much-needed 94-88 cushion before Jamie Malonzo sliced the gap to three after a triple of his own in the fourth.

San Miguel import Bennie Boatwright was hardly challenged by the defense of his counterpart Tony Bishop, sinking a long bomb from top of the key for a 99-93 lead with 1:49 left.

Lassiter sank two freebies after drawing Bishop's fifth foul before June Mar Fajardo split his charities as San Miguel took a pivotal 102-95 cushion en route to the victory. 

Boatwright had another stellar night, finishing with 38 points, nine rebounds, and two assists while Fajardo and CJ Perez each had 17 markers to help the cause with the seven-time MVP grabbing 14 boards and a career-high six blocks. Lassiter tallied 16 points built on four triples as San Miguel moved closer to its first Commissioner's Cup finals appearance since 2019. 

Bishop led the way for Ginebra with 25 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and one steal while Malonzo had his fifth game with at least 27 points, collecting eight rebounds as well alongside four assists, two steals, and one block.

Scores:

San Miguel 106 – Boatwright 38, Perez 17, Fajardo 17, Lassiter 16, Teng 7, Trollano 5, Cruz 4, Tautuaa 2, Brondial 0, Ross 0, Enciso 0.

Ginebra 96– Malonzo 27, Bishop 25, Ahanmisi 13, Thompson 9, Standhardinger 9, Pringle 6, Pinto 5, J.Aguilar 2, Tenorio 0.

Quarters: 23-21, 43-46, 76-74, 106-96.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News