SMB escapes Terrafirma's upset bid to seal top seed in PBA QF's

June Mar Fajardo barely missed out on a triple-double, but he cannot miss a clutch three-point play. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--It was Terrafirma's best performance so far in the PBA Philippine Cup, but San Miguel still had the last laugh.

The Beermen evaded what could have been the biggest upset at the moment in the conference after subduing the Dyip by just one point in overtime, 109-108, on Thursday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

June Mar Fajardo scored the game-winner for San Miguel as he did not just show his strength inside the paint but even his improved passing abilities that brought him just close to a triple-double.

Fajardo powered his way into the cup and converted a layup against Joseph Gabayni and Aldrech Ramos with 19.6 seconds remaining in the extra period.

Fajardo would make the bonus free throw off Ramos' sixth foul to cap a rare perfect clip from the charity stripe.

Javi Gomez De Liano had a chance to win it, but despite getting past CJ Perez, he could not convert the go-ahead layup at the final buzzer.

Fajardo finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists for the Beermen, who clinched the top seed in the quarterfinal round plus a twice-to-beat advantage.

Marcio Lassiter added 23 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, while Perez got 20 points, five rebounds, one assist, four steals, and one block for the now 9-1 SMB side.

Eric Camson put up 20 markers, two boards, two dimes, and one steal for Terrafirma, which remained winless after nine games.

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