Singletary impresses in SMB debut in squeaker over Meralco

PBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--Mike Singletary announced his PBA return in a decent way, helping San Miguel subdue Meralco, 110-106, in the main game of the Governors' Cup doubleheader at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night.

Singletary, who last played for Mighty Sports in the PCBL club's successful conquest of the Jones Cup last month, had a 20-20 game of 21 points and 20 rebounds with five assists, one steal, and one block to backstop the Beermen's bid to defeat the Bolts, who remained gritty until the end.

San Miguel had a chance to pull away after taking a 106-99 lead with 1:02 left in what was mostly a close game.

But a three-point play by Allen Durham plus another free throw drew Meralco to within three, 103-106, with 23.4 seconds on the clock.

Arwind Santos got two points back off free throws with 20.8 seconds to go, and the Beermen were up again, 108-103.

Jared Dillinger kept the game interesting with a three-pointer to cut the lead to two and even came close to give the Bolts a chance to tie as he chased for a near-steal with 10.5 seconds remaining.

Going for the steal instead, Meralco took some time before eventually fouling Santos, who iced the game with two charities with 3.2 seconds to go.

Junemar Fajardo led the Beermen with 24 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal.

Allen Durham tallied 34 markers, 11 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block for the Bolts.

Box Scores:

San Miguel 110-Fajardo 24, Singletary 21, Santos 19, Cabagnot 18, David 13, Ross 9, Lassiter 4, De Ocampo 2, Heruela 0, Reyes 0, Tubid 0

Meralco 106-Durham 34, Alapag 14, Newsome 12, Faundo 10, Hodge 10, Nabog 10, Amer 7, Hugnatan 6, Dillinger 3, Buenafe 0, Uyloan 0

Quarterscores: 25-24, 55-44, 81-79, 110-106

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