Marcio Lassiter goes clutch as SMB opens PBA Comm's Cup stint with tight win vs Phoenix

CJ Perez led San Miguel's balanced attack against Phoenix. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Marcio Lassiter delivered the dagger basket for San Miguel as it began its conquest in the PBA Commissioner's Cup with a 107-104 win against Phoenix on Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Lassiter hit the go-ahead baseline jumper with 2.6 seconds left with Quincy Miller providing an excellent screen to block off Ricci Rivero as the Beermen recovered from an ugly third quarter to steal the win from the Fuel Masters.

Phoenix tried to go to Donovan Smith for the winning layup, but June Mar Fajardo picked the pass and the ball landed at Simon Enciso, who hit two free throws with 0.7 seconds left to ice the game.

Smith tried a desperation heave for the win from beyond halfcourt, but it only hit the backboard.

CJ Perez led SMB with 18 points, two rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks, while Lassiter added 15 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Miller, playing in his third different team in three consecutive PBA Commissioner's Cups, put up 14 points along with Don Trollano even as the lengthy import added 10 rebounds.

Smith finished with 37 points on 12-for-22 shooting including a combined 5-of-11 from long range, 15 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks for Phoenix, which fell to 0-2.

Tyler Tio, who made six straight points in crunch time to put the team ahead one more time at 104-103, made 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting including a perfect 3-for-3 on threes, five rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block.

Jason Perkins chipped in 21 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

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