Mary C Posted December 20, 2022 Share Posted December 20, 2022 Dragons vs Beermen The San Miguel beermen was able to keep their PBA Commissioner’s Cup title by defeating Bay Area, with a 98-96, in Game 3 of the semifinals on Sunday, December 18, held at the PhilSports Arena. For the first time in four attempts this conference, the Beermen won against the Dragons, cutting their lead in the best-of-the five series to 1-2. Simon Enciso made the game-winning three-pointer while Devon Scott came up with the win-sealing block. With a minute remaining, Bay area took a 96-93 lead on a Kobey Lam three-pointer before Scott got San Miguel within a point on a pair of free throws, 95-96, and Enciso sunk a triple to give the defending champions the lead. After seeing Scott block Lam’s potential game-tying layup with seven seconds left in Game 1, Lam was unable to repeat his game 1, game-winning basket. The Beermen then made another crucial defensive stop on Hayden Blankley to seal the victory and hand the Dragons their first postseason loss. Scott had underwhelming performances in the first two games of the series, scoring a combined total of just 23 points, but he made up for it in the triumph with 25 points, 14 rebound, and two blocks. Leo Austria, the head coach of San Miguel, remarked after his team’s first victory since he returned from a seven-game hiatus due to health and safety rules that prevented him from playing. Head coach, Lea Austria, also stated that “This is evidence that Bay Area is beatable”. With 21 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 blocks for the Beermen, June Mar Fajardo also dominated on the glass while Simon Enciso, who went scoreless in the second game, recovered with 16 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds. San Miguel rallied from a 14-point hole in the first quarter with 17 points, 5 assist, 4 rebounds and 2 steals from CJ Perez. Despite contributions from their regular suspects, the Dragons’ seven-game winning streak was ended. Zhu Songwei contributed 17 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, and Andrew Nicholson had 34 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks in the defeat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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