PBA: ROS edges SMB to take top spot in Group B

Beau Belga was a solid contributor for ROS. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Rain Or Shine was only three seconds away from stunning San Miguel in their first-round meeting if not for June Mar Fajardo's buzzer-beater to win it for the Beermen.

In their rematch, the Elasto Painters ensured it would not go down the wire again.

ROS used a solid second half to trip SMB, 122-112, in their crucial PBA Governors' Cup game on Thursday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Elasto Painters began pulling away after erupting for 36 points in the third quarter, opening a 97-88 lead entering the fourth.

They then held the Beermen to only 24 points in the final period to seal the win.

Andrei Caracut led ROS, now solely on top of Group B with a 7-2 record, with 20 points, three rebounds, and eight assists.

Aaron Fuller added 17 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, while Beau Belga and Adrian Nocum each chipped in 16 markers.

The team can officially seal the top seed entering the quarterfinals if it beats Blackwater on Monday night back at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

CJ Perez tallied 27 points, six rebounds, six assists, and one steal for SMB, which fell to a tie with Ginebra for second place at 6-3.

Terrence Romeo and Jordan Adams each added 24 points, while June Mar Fajardo put up 14 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists.

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