SMB holds off Ginebra to force tie for 2nd

Terrence Romeo joins the PBA's 500-Three-Pointers Club with an explosive game. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--San Miguel came out firing in the first half before withstanding a gallant stand from Ginebra for a 111-102 win in the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday night at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The Beermen were effective from long range early on, dropping 13 triples in the first half en route to taking a 56-48 lead over the Gin Kings at halftime.

SMB somehow fizzled in their three-point shooting in the second half, but the team had enough might to hold off Ginebra down the stretch.

Terrence Romeo exploded for 29 points on 9-of-17 shooting, two rebounds, six assists, and two steals for the Beermen, who now tied the Meralco Bolts for second place at 5-2.

Romeo, who buried four triples in the game, became the 44th player to convert 500 three-pointers in his career.

Marcio Lassiter added 19 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while June Mar Fajardo collected a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Chris Ross grabbed four steals in the game to up his total career swipes to 904, moving past Dindo Pumaren for number five in the PBA's all-time steals list.

He also got 13 points, three rebounds, and four assists.

LA Tenorio made 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting, one rebound, 11 assists, and three steals for the Gin Kings, who fell to 3-4.

Despite the defeat, Tenorio, with 3,090 dimes in total, moved past Olsen Racela for number 10 in the all-time assists list.

With the outcome, TNT, which blasted NLEX earlier Friday, formally enters the quarterfinals.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno