At the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, SAN Miguel defeated Meralco 110-98 on Wednesday in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup after overcoming a comeback in the third quarter.

With 29 points from CJ Perez and 28 from June Mar Fajardo, the Beermen defeated the defending champs, taking a 17-point lead and finishing with a 2-0 win-loss record.

Kurt Reyson and CJ Cansino both made four-pointers to cut the Bolts’ deficit to three points, 77-74, going into the fourth quarter, but the Beermen rallied to win the rematch of the Philippine Cup finals from the previous season, which also happened to be the main event of the PBA’s 50th anniversary game day.

With Meralco falling to 2-1, San Miguel has also increased their advantage over Magnolia at the top of the standings.

San Miguel outscored Meralco 33–24 in the fourth quarter, thanks to 18 points from Perez and Fajardo combined. After the Bolts had a 36-25 third period and were down just two points, 77-75, early in the fourth, the Beermen responded.

Coach Leo Austria of San Miguel commented on Meralco’s comeback. “That was a really scary moment for us.”

“But because of the experience of the players, especially June Mar, they know how to win and how to deal with that kind of situation.”

Austria informed the players of the significance of the game for their title aspirations and their redemption attempt after missing the playoffs during the Commissioner’s Cup, in addition to the fact that the game was played on a memorable day for the league.

Reyson scored 14 points on 6 of 12 field goals, including a four in the third quarter, while Chris Newsome finished with 27 points, seven assists, and two steals.

The Scores

San Miguel 110 –  Perez 29, Fajardo 28, Teng 11, Brondial 9, Lassiter 8, Rosales 7, Tiongson 7, Tautuaa 6, Trollano 5, Cahilig 0.

Meralco 98 – Newsome 27, Reyson 14, Jose 12, Black 12, Hodge 10, Cansino 8, Bates 6, Almazan 5, Quinto 4, Rios 0, Caram 0, Torres 0, Pascual 0.

Quarter scores: 25-21; 52-38; 77-74; 110-98.