NO SWEEP. Simon Enciso celebrates after scoring a game-winner as San Miguel defeated Bay Area, 98-96, in the best-of-five semifinals of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday (Dec. 18, 2022). With their win, the Beermen avoided being swept by the Bay Area. (Photo courtesy of PBA Images)
MANILA – San Miguel lived to fight another day in the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals after beating Bay Area, 98-96, in Game 3 of their best-of-five series on Sunday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Simon Enciso won it for the Beermen after draining the go-ahead triple with 10.2 seconds remaining, while Devon Scott responded defensively by blocking two potential equalizers to force overtime, including one from Game 1 hero Kobey Lam, to preserve their win against the Dragons.
Scott led SMB, which denied Bay Area a sweep of the series, with 25 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal, while June Mar Fajardo added 21 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, three blocks and one steal.
Andrew Nicholson's 34-point outburst with 14 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and two steals was not enough as Bay Area lost for only the third time overall this conference, but the team has another chance to close out SMB in Game 4 on Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. (PNA)
