SMB deposes NLEX in tense showdown

The late tensions did not stop Arwind Santos from dominating (Photo: PBA/Facebook)

MANILA — The San Miguel Beermen scored their fourth straight win in as many games in the PBA Philippine Cup, turning back the NLEX Road Warriors, 109-98, in an emotional clash at the Cuneta Astrodome Friday night.

SMB started the game on a good note, dropping 31 points in the first quarter and taking a seven-point lead at the end of the period.

NLEX, however, outscored SMB, 34-18, in the second quarter to enter halftime ahead, 58-49.

The Beermen then turned up the volume defensively in the third quarter, limiting the Road Warriors to only 16 points, but had to settle for a 74-all tie at the end of the frame.

Things, however, got chippy in the fourth.

Kiefer Ravena was nudged hard by Von Pessumal while Marcio Lassiter was taking a three-pointer early in the quarter, that earned Pessumal a whistle for Flagrant Foul Penalty 1.

Moments later, Alex Mallari and Chris Ross exchanged some words after colliding when Mallari was fouled to prevent a fast break opportunity. Both players were slapped with technical fouls.

Mike Miranda kicked Ross in the groin who fouled the former during a pick-and-roll sequence. Miranda was merited a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2 and was sent off.

The incident sealed NLEX’s fate as SMB pulled away from there on.

Still, the emotions were high as Ross had another verbal altercation, this time with Coach Yeng Guiao.

Both Ross and Guiao were given technical fouls, and Ross was thrown out as well.

The late tensions did not stop Arwind Santos from dominating as he led the Beermen with 26 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks.

Junemar Fajardo also had a stellar game with 25 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, one block, and a steal.

Ravena tallied 15 markers, three boards, and six dimes for the Road Warriors, who lost for the third straight game.

Box Scores:

San Miguel 109 – Santos 26, Fajardo 25, Cabagnot 14, Lassiter 14, Pessumal 10, Rosser 6, Ross 4, De Ocampo 4, Semerad 2, Heruela 2, Mamaril 2

NLEX 98 – Ravena 15, Quinahan 12, Mallari 12, Soyud 12, Miranda 10, Tiongson 8, Fonacier 6, Uyloan 6, Alas 5, Al-Hussaini 5, Taulava 3, Baguio 2, Gotladera 2

Quarterscores: 31-24, 49-58, 74-74, 109-98