MANILA — Celedonio Trollano delivered in the clutch, draining a go-ahead triple with eight seconds left as San Miguel Beermen survived Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, 85-82, in a tense PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup showdown Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With the game deadlocked at 82-all after Gin Kings import Justin Brownlee split his four free throws, the Beermen turned to Trollano, who calmly buried a corner three that ultimately sealed the win and lifted San Miguel to a 3-2 record.
Ginebra still had chances to force overtime, but Brownlee was smothered on his three-point attempt, while Scottie Thompson also missed a last-second heave as time expired.
Trollano finished with 12 points, backing up a solid offensive showing from Jaymar Perez, who led San Miguel with 20 points, and import Justin Patton, who posted a double-double of 19 points and 17 rebounds.
Brownlee paced the Gin Kings with 31 points but struggled at the line late, missing three crucial free throws in the fourth quarter. Rhon Jay Abarrientos and Stephen Holt added 16 and 11 points, respectively, as Ginebra slipped to a 2-2 slate.
In the earlier game, the NLEX Road Warriors imposed their will early and finished strong to dismantle the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 120-102, improving to a 4-1 record.
Cady Lalanne powered NLEX with a double-double of 29 points and 10 rebounds, while Robert Bolick Jr orchestrated the offense with 22 points and 14 assists.
The Road Warriors set the tone right away, racing to a 33-17 lead in the first quarter. Phoenix fought back to cut the deficit to 36-40, but NLEX restored order and took a 52-42 advantage at halftime.
The Fuel Masters stayed within striking distance in the third, but NLEX broke the game open in the fourth with a decisive 17-7 run that created a comfortable cushion en route to the win.
Ricci Rivero led Phoenix with 20 points, while Jason Perkins added 18. Kenneth Tuffin and James Dickey III chipped in 14 and 13 points, respectively, as the Fuel Masters dropped to 3-2./PN
