MANILA – Alex Cabagnot’s game-winning shot lifted the San Miguel Beermen to an 88-87 victory against the NorthPort Batang Pier in Game 1 of the 2021 Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) Philippine Cup quarterfinals last night at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Trailing 87-86 following a three-pointer by Batang Pier’s Robert Bolick Jr., Cabagnot easily attacked the NorthPort defense for a fade-away hoop with a second remaining to give the Beermen an 88-87 lead.
Cabagnot scored 20 points in his return from a torn left meniscus, while Moala Tautuaa and Jaymar Perez chipped in 15 and 14 points, respectively, as the Beermen claimed an early 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.
With four minutes remaining and an 83-72 gap, the Beermen were surprised by a furious Batang Pier uprising spearheaded by Ilonggo Juan Paolo Taha, who cut the deficit to 84-85 on a three-point play by Bolick.
Cabagnot extended the Beermen’s advantage to 86-84 after splitting his free throws before Bolick knocked in a three-pointer near the logo to make an 87-86 lead.
Sean Anthony led the Batang Pier with 16 points, Gregory Slaughter dropped 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Bolick and Jamie Malonzo got 13 points each.
In the first game, Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots defeated Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 81-70, in Game 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinals series.
Down 42-37 at the half, the Hotshots went on a 23-5 scoring blast in the third quarter on inside conversions from Ian Sangalang; and perimeter hits from Paul Lee and Jiovani Jalalon for a 60-47 score.
The Painters maintained their striking distance in the fourth quarter, 67-73, behind consecutive Leonard Santillan hits. But Lee responded with clutch baskets and free throws to secure the Hotshots’ triumph.
Lee ended with a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds for the Hotshots, which grabbed a 1-0 lead in the series. They can eliminate the Painters with a victory in Game 2 on Thursday.
Meanwhile, defending champions Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings qualified for the quarterfinals with a 95-85 victory over Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters. Prince Caperal led the Kings in scoring with 19 points.
BOX SCORE:
SAN MIGUEL 88 – Cabagnot 20, Tautuaa 15, Perez 14, Ross 12, Fajardo 10, Santos 9, Lassiter 8, Pessumal 0, Zamar 0, Gotladera 0.
NORTHPORT 87 – Anthony 16, Slaughter 15, Malonzo 13, Bolick 13, Taha 10, Ferrer 8, Onwubere 7, Elorde 3, Rike 2, Lanete 0, Balanza 0.
QUARTERSCORES: 21-19, 44-43, 65-60, 88-87./PN
