PBA: Huge 3s save SMB from Magnolia comeback to keep unbeaten record

CJ Perez fired 25 points including the dagger three to lead the now 8-0 Beermen. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

BINAN--Chris Ross and CJ Perez made crucial three-pointers down the stretch to help San Miguel hold off Magnolia, 98-91, in their PBA Philippine Cup clash on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Up by as much as 20 midway through the second quarter, the Beermen found themselves just holding to a three-point lead, 92-89, with 1:25 left in the fourth as the Hotshots went on a comeback threat.

However, Ross hit his three with 1:04 left to up SMB's lead back to six, 95-89.

After forcing Mark Barroca to a missed mid-range jumper, Ross found Perez open for his own trey that virtually iced the win with 27 seconds to go.

Perez finished with 25 points, two rebounds, five assists, and two steals to lead SMB, which stayed undefeated at 8-0.

Ross added 15 points, all on threes, two rebounds, and two assists as his team inched closer to a once-to-advance advantage in the quarterfinals.

Paul Lee fired 23 points with seven rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block for Magnolia, which saw its four-game winning streak snapped and fell to 5-3, a half-game behind Ginebra for the second seed and the other quarterfinal bonus.

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