Beermen ward off Road Warriors, gain solo second

MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel Beer, missing free throws but hustling to get key possessions, turned back NLEX, 79-76, to wrest solo second place in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Mindanao Civic Center in Tubod, Lanao del Norte Saturday night.

On numerous offensive rebounds, the Beermen gained crucial trips to the line, making enough conversions to fend off the Road Warriors’ tough challenge in this Petron Blaze-sponsored road match.

Rebounding from a loss to Alaska Milk the last time out, San Miguel Beer broke off a three-way tie at second place with a 3-1 win-loss card, relegating Barangay Ginebra and Meralco to joint third at 3-1.

NLEX suffered a second straight loss and slid eighth place at 2-3.

The Road Warriors started strong, leading by 10 points at 28-18, but lost steam and firepower in a nip-and-tuck battle at the finish.

They held onto the lead for the last time at 76-75 on a booming 3-pointer by KG Canaleta with 3:03 left. They failed to put San Miguel away as Canaleta missed his two succeeding open three-point attempts.

San Miguel went ahead, 77-76, on a jumper by Chris Lutz from the left flank with 2:07 left.

The Beermen preserved the win as Arwind Santos and Chris Lutz split their charities then Jonas Villanueva missed a three-pointer from way, way out at the buzzer.

Santos collected 12 points, 11 rebounds and one block to pace the Beermen.