SMB races to 2-0 lead
MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer’s “Death Squad 2.0” struck again versus Barangay Ginebra. And now the rampaging Beermen are knocking at the doors of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals.
With Marcio Lassiter, Bennie Boatwright, CJ Perez and June Mar Fajardo coming out big in the stretch, the Beermen made it two in a row against the Gin Kings, 106-96, for full control of the race-to-three semifinal series yesterday at the MOA Arena.
The quartet ignited a 17-9 closing barrage that cleared the path to the pivotal followup to the Beermen’s tight 92-90 escape act in Game 1 two nights before.
Jorge Gallent’s charges can finish off the defending champions in tomorrow’s third match via a vengeful 3-0 sweep.
Boatwright banged in seven of his game-high 38 in the fourth, lacing it with nine rebounds and two assists. Fajardo had 17 markers, 14 boards and a career-high six blocks. Perez matched Fajardo’s scoring output and spiked it with a clutch putback and charities in the endgame. Lassiter shot 16, highlighted by a booming triple and insurance foul throws.
Even second stringer Jeron Teng played big off the bench, dropping seven while stymying Ginebra gunner Maverick Ahanmisi (13).
Just like what Ginebra mentor Tim Cone said, this stacked San Miguel team channels the “Death Five” of old that strung up championships after championships.
“I’m not thinking about it (Death Squad),” said Lassiter, who was part of that original crew.
“This is a very strong team. We have 10 guys or even more, some guys aren’t even playing. Everyone is capable. It could be anyone’s night for us.”
Gallent chimed in.
“There’s no ‘Death 5’ here, it’s ‘Death 15.’ Everybody is good here. They wouldn’t be here if they weren’t good,” he said.
Except for the first five minutes where SMB zoomed to a 10-0 tear, Game 2 was a virtual slugfest.
The protagonists fought through five deadlocks and 17 lead changes before the Beermen stepped on the pedal in the last 4:17.
Jamie Malonzo, with 25-8, and Tony Bishop, with 25-9, took the cudgels for the Gin Kings, who have found themselves fighting for dear life.
