Huge third quarter lifts Beermen past Giant Risers

MANILA, Philippines -- San Miguel used a third-quarter surge to shrink the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 143-105, in their PBA Governors’ Cup clash Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. 

Leading by just three at the half, the Beermen erupted for a 49-point third quarter to grab the dominant win as they returned to the win column. 

George King powered San Miguel with 35 points on 11-of-17 shooting, to go with eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks. Jerrick Ahanmisi added 26 markers to go with three dimes. 

A Bryan Sajonia deuce made it a 58-61 ballgame heading to the half. 

The two teams traded baskets early in the third quarter, with Titan tying things up at 68-all after a Tirrell Brown II layup. 

But from that point on, San Miguel outscored the Giant Risers 42 to 13, capped by King’s free throws, to break the game wide open, 110-81. 

It was an advantage the Beermen held onto until the end, with the 38-point advantage at the end the biggest lead in the contest. 

Don Trollano had 22 markers off the bench for San Miguel while Marcio Lassiter added 13. June Mar Fajardo had a quiet game with six points, six rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals. 

Joshua Munzon stood tall for the Giant Risers with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Sajonia had 19 points, while Brown finished with 15 markers, seven boards, four dimes, a steal and a block. 

San Miguel rose to 4-1 in the standings while Titan Ultra dropped to 1-5.