PBA: SMB bounces back from rough Q3 to edge Meralco

Ivan Aska had a solid game in San Miguel's first win of the season. Dennis Acosta

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--San Miguel recovered in time after Meralco stifled them in the third quarter to take a 93-83 win in their PBA Commissioner's Cup battle on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Beermen had a solid first half and took a 12-point lead, 55-43, but the Bolts held them to just 11 points even as they trimmed the lead down to just four, 66-62, entering the fourth.

SMB bounced back by erupting for 27 points to help seal the deal.

Ivan Aska led the Beermen, who bounced back from their tough loss to the NLEX Road Warriors on Wednesday night, with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and two steals, while June Mar Fajardo added 17 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, and one block.

Chris Newsome led the Bolts, who lost for the first time this season after a 2-0 start, with 22 points, three rebounds, six assists, and two steals, while Suleiman Braimoh added 15 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Meralco's loss left Magnolia (3-0) and Ginebra (1-0) as the only undefeated teams left in the season-opening conference ahead of their Manila Clasico battle later Sunday.

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