SMB weathers late NLEX strike to open PBA PH Cup with win

CJ Perez outplayed Robert Bolick as San Miguel opened the PBA Philippine Cup on a high note. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--San Miguel broke away late after NLEX pulled off a huge endgame threat to take a 98-89 win in their PBA Philippine Cup game on Saturday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Up by as much as 15, the Beermen found themselves in trouble after the Road Warriors fought back and tied the game, 85-all, with 1:43 left.

A Juami Tiongson three sparked the game-deciding 13-4 run within the final one and a half minutes for SMB to break loose.

CJ Perez led the Beermen with 28 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block, while Juami Tiongson added 17 points, one rebound, and two assists.

June Mar Fajardo willed his way in the paint and contributed 13 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.

Michael Miranda led NLEX with 15 points, four rebounds, and one block.

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