TOUGH LAYUP CJ Perez of the San Miguel Beermen threads the proverbial needle to launch a contested layup against the Meralco Bolts’ defenders in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. SMB beat Bolts, 95-94. PBA PHOTO
CJ Perez scored a playoffs career-high 34 points, and Marcio Lassiter hit the game-winning triple to lead the San Miguel Beermen to a 95-94 victory over the Meralco Bolts in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The win ties the series at one game apiece, after Meralco won Game 1 last Wednesday.
With Meralco leading 90-89 with 1:05 left in the fourth quarter, Chris Banchero sank a triple to extend the Bolts' lead to four points with 27 seconds remaining.
Following a timeout, Perez nailed a three-pointer to bring San Miguel within one point. After Meralco called time, Lassiter fouled Banchero, who made one of two free throws. Lassiter then hit a decisive three-pointer to give the Beermen the lead.
Banchero missed a layup in the final seconds, and Perez missed free throws after being fouled by Allein Maliksi, allowing the Beermen to secure the win and tie the best-of-seven series.
Earlier in the game, Meralco overcame a six-point deficit with a surge led by Allein Maliksi, Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge and Bong Quinto, taking a 69-65 lead midway through the third quarter.
San Miguel responded with June Mar Fajardo and Mo Tautuaa sparking a 10-2 run in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 80.
Game 3 of the series is scheduled for Sunday at 6:15 p.m.
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