SMB escapes Ginebra's late run for share of top spot

Cameron Clark saved San Miguel with a clutch layup. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY—San Miguel nearly bubbled a late double-digit lead but still found a way to escape with a 102-99 win against Ginebra in their PBA Governors' Cup game on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen held a 98-87 cushion with 2:15 left in the game, but the John Pinto three sparked the Gin Kings' 12-2 run that cut the lead down to just one, 100-99, with 26.7 seconds left.

Ginebra nearly forced a backcourt violation at the other end, but Simon Enciso saved the possession and found Cameron Clark wide open for the layup that brought SMB's lead back to three with eight seconds left.

Pinto tried to force overtime, but he misfired the potential game-tying three as time ran out on the Gin Kings.

Clark finished with 35 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and one block to lead SMB, which tied TNT at the top of the team standings at 7-1 ahead of their showdown on Sunday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

CJ Perez added 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four steals, and one block, while June Mar Fajardo chipped in 12 points, 18 rebounds, 12 of which were offensive boards that made him the sixth player to grab at least 2,000 career offensive rebounds, three steals, and one block.

Christian Standhardinger led Ginebra, which dropped to 3-2, with 29 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and one block.

Justin Brownlee added 21 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, and two blocks, while Scottie Thompson chipped in 13 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block.

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