SMB outplays Ginebra to take 2-1 lead

By JAY R. GOTERA MANILA — The San Miguel Beermen unleashed a 12-0 run late in the game to beat the Barangay Ginebra Kings in Game 3 of the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup Finals Wednesday night. The two-time defending champions will try to move closer to a three-peat in Game 4 of the best-of-7 series on Friday night. Defensive specialist turned top gunner Chris Ross led the Beermen with a game-high 24 points, hitting seven of 12 shots, including a “disrespectful” three-pointer with 10 seconds left when victory was already assured, angering the Kings and their supporters. Ross added eight assists, four boards, and one steal in 40 minutes of play. Alex Cabagnot was just as deadly, firing 20 points, including three triples, on top of three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. June Mar Fajardo also proved to be a big headache for Ginebra, finishing with a double-double 17 points and 18 boards. The two-time MVP also had three blocks, three assists, and two steals in 38 minutes. Fajardo struggled for just 10 points and seven rebounds before fouling out late in Game 2. Marcio Lassiter added 16 points, six rebounds, and two steals in 41 minutes. LA Tenorio led Ginebra with 16 points, five assists, and five boards. Rookie Kevin Ferrer tallied 15 markers while Japeth Aguilar and Chris Ellis added 12 points apiece. Mark Caguioa chipped in 11. The Kings badly missed the services of forward Jervy Cruz who was sidelined due to a shoulder injury he incurred during last Sunday’s Game 2. The Beermen trailed by as many as 12 points in the first half, before regaining their shooting touch after the break. SMB was most lethal in the final frame when they held the Kings scoreless for over four minutes while firing 12 straight points before the final buzzer sounded. Game Friday: San Miguel Beermen vs. Barangay Ginebra Kings (Game 4, best-of-7 Finals; SMB leads 2-1).