Don Trollano put together an efficient 29-point explosion as San Miguel saved some blushes after holding off a furious Magnolia comeback, 94-92, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Montalban on Friday, Nov. 7.
Missing the last game due to back spasms, Trollano announced his return in style and drained a clutch four-pointer with 53 seconds left – just in time to help the Beermen restore order after squandering a once 18-point lead.
The big four was actually part of Trollano’s personal 7-0 run that put SMB back ahead, 91-88, after suddenly trailing by four, 84-88, in the final frame.
The reigning Mr. Quality Minutes awardee surely lived up to his title after only needing 19 minutes to reach his output that also came with six rebounds,
CJ Perez provided support with 20 points, four rebounds and five steals while June Mar Fajardo, save for an uncharacteristic 6-of-11 clip from the free-throw line, was in his usual form with 18 points, nine rebounds, two steals and a block.
With the escape, the Beermen caught up with the Hotshots with a similar 4-2 record – good for a three-way tie with NLEX at the second spot of the standings.
Still, it was a gallant fight for Magnolia, which, after trailing 39-21 in the second frame, battled back into the contest and even looked good after taking 86-80 lead.
The Hotshot actually still had a chance at stealing the win in the end game thanks to a four-pointer from Chris Koon and two missed free throws from Perez on the other end.
But Paul Lee was completely shadowed by Marcio Lassiter in the final possession while Jerom Lastimosa was bothered by Fajardo enough to miss the potential game-winner.
Zav Lucero had a double-double of 20 points and 14 rebounds to go with four blocks to pace the Hotshots. Lastimosa, Koon and Ian Sangalang tried to help with 17, 16 and 15 respectively but to no avail.
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