SAN MIGUEL Beer’s bench came up huge when it mattered most to save June Mar Fajardo’s big night as the Beermen beat the TNT Tropang Giga, 108-100, in overtime on Friday for a 2-1 lead in the Finals of the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Jericho Cruz, Robbie Herndon and veteran Chris Ross connived in overtime where San Miguel Beer outscored TNT, 14-6, to seize control of the best-of-seven championships series.
Herndon redeemed himself in overtime after a costly error in regulation where he was called for a delay of the game violation resulting to a technical free throw by Roger Pogoy with 11 seconds to go that tied the count at 94-94.
Game 1 hero Jayson Castro missed a potential game-winning drive sending the game to an extra period.
Herndon pushed the Beermen to a 99-94 lead with five straight points with still 2:37 left before Cruz and Ross took charge in the remaining time to seal the win.
Their overtime efforts, however, were not as big as Fajardo’s 27 points and 27 rebounds in Game 3.
“I just have to collect as many rebounds as I can and box them out despite the game’s physicality,” Fajardo said. “I have to do my job.”
Cruz posted 18 points and Marcio Lassiter added 13 points for the Beermen. Forward Vic Manuel and CJ Perez, who both fouled out in the fourth quarter—contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Herndon finished with eight points in the game and drew praises from SMB coach Leo Austria after the game.
“He redeemed himself in the endgame, and showed what kind of player he is,” Austria said. “He was very patient and he was the biggest revelation for the team.”
Roger Pogoy tallied 25 points while Mikey Williams had 17 points for the Tropang Giga, who were limited to just six points in overtime.
Game 4 returns to the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.