San Miguel defeated Barangay GInebra, 95-92, on Friday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum to maintain their perfect record in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup. Jericho Cruz and Don Trollano performed admirably when it mattered most.

After the Kings rallied from an 18-point deficit, Trollano finished with 15 points and eight rebounds, and Cruz added eight points. These veteran colleagues were crucial in the closing minutes of the game to keep the Beermen alive.

With 2:43 remaining, Trollano scored five straight points to increase their advantage to seven. Then, with 44.8 seconds remaining, Cruz made the game-winning basket against Jamie Malonzo to make it 95-91.
San Miguel, who maintained their top spot in the standings with a perfect 4-0 record, was led in scoring by CJ Perez, who finished with a game-high 18 points and 10 assists.

With 14 points and 10 rebounds, June Mar Fajardo recorded a double double of his own. Terrence Romeo added 11 points, and Mo Tautua had 12 points and five rebounds.

San Miguel will take on Terrafirma on Wednesday, April 10, at 4:30 p.m., with the goal of winning five straight. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

However, Japeth Aguilar scored 17 points to lead Ginebra, who lost 3-2 because of the team’s inability to maintain momentum following their victory in the Manila Clasico.

On 16 points, Maverick Ahanmisi scored. Christian Standhardinger scored 14 and 17 points with 6 assists, while Jamie Malonzo scored 14. Stanley Pringle scored 15 points.

This Sunday, Ginebra will attempt to recover against the Dyip as well. The game starts at 6:15 p.m. at Ninoy Aquino Stadium as well.

The Scores

San Miguel 95 – Perez 18, Trollano 15, Fajardo 14, Tautuaa 12, Romeo 11, Brondial 8, Cruz 8, Lassiter 6, Ross 3, Manuel 0, Enciso 0.

Ginebra 92 – Aguilar 17, Ahanmisi 16, Pringle 15, Malonzo 14, Standhardinger 14, Tenorio 8, Onwubere 8, David 0, Gumaru 0, Cu 0, Pinto 0.

Quarter scores: 33-18, 56-50, 82-66, 95-92.