SMB overcomes late Ginebra push to force Game 4 in PBA Govs' Cup QFs

George King's PBA playoff debut has been extended for one more game. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

DASMARIÑAS—San Miguel lived to fight another day in the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals, although Ginebra still had a shot at completing the 3-0 sweep before succumbing to a 98-101 defeat in Game 3 of their best-of-five series on Tuesday night at the City of Dasmariñas Arena.

The Beermen, 0-2 down entering the only game day in Cavite this conference, led by as much as 15 points in the third quarter and looked poised to pull away from the Gin Kings.

Ginebra, however, fought back and came to within one 98-99 off RJ Abarrientos' three with 1:04 to go in the fourth period.

Scottie Thompson then stole the ball from George King, opening a chance for the team to take the lead, but Stephen Holt missed a wide-open three, and Japeth Aguilar fouled King while chasing the loose ball with 20 seconds left.

Thompson tried to go for a steal again off the inbound, but he clipped CJ Perez's arm, and Perez went 2-for-2 from the foul line to extend SMB's lead to three.

Thompson missed a pick-and-pop three, but Jordan Murphy grabbed the offensive rebound and found Abarrientos open again from the outside.

Abarrientos, though, missed the open four-pointer that could have clinched the series for the Gin Kings as time expired.

King finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists for SMB, which forced a Game 4 on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

June Mar Fajardo added 18 points on 7-for-7 field goals, 13 rebounds, and one block.

Abarrientos had 21 points, six rebounds, and three assists to lead Ginebra, but despite his clutch three-pointer to keep his team in the game, he was 3-for-11 from long distance overall.

Murphy added 17 points, 17 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks, while Isaac Go also tallied 17 markers on 7-for-10 field goals, including 3-for-5 from threes, two rebounds, one assist, and two steals.