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[av_heading heading=’Ginebra hands Beermen first loss in PH Cup’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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January 30, 2018
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MANILA – San Miguel Beermen suffered its first defeat in the PBA Philippine Cup at the hands of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings 96-100 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Kings ended its three-game skid and improved to 3-3 as Japeth Aguilar posted 23 points and nine rebounds, with LA Tenorio having similar output to go along with six assists and five rebounds.
Jervy Cruz and Raymond Aguilar came up with valuable contributions in lieu of Kings’ injured big men Gregory Slaughter, Arthur dela Cruz and Joe Devance with conference bests 17 and 16 points, respectively.
“Who would’ve thought we would win this after the way we played the last three games?” Kings head coach Tim Cone said of the Sunday night game. “We had guys step up, like Raymond and Jervy. Can’t talk enough about Raymond, the ‘other’ Aguilar, for once.”
Trailing for most of the way in the opening half, Kings began its move in the third behind Japeth and Tenorio to tie the count 61-all before surging to an 80-66 lead early in the fourth on consecutive points from Raymond.
Beermen tried to launch a run from there. Kings had perimeter hits from Cruz for a 97-87 lead, and then Beermen came up with 8 straight points from Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter and Chico Lanete to cut the deficit 95-97.
Two free throws from Tenorio gave Kings a little breathing room 99-95. Beermen got close 96-99 on a free throw by Lanete. Arwind Santos had 3-point attempts but misfired, handing the win to Kings.
June Mar Fajardo had 33 points and 11 rebounds while Ross and Lassiter added 16 markers each for Beermen (5-1) to make a joint first place with Magnolia Hotshots./PN
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