Alex Cabagnot played a memorable Game 2, earning 33 points to lift San Miguel Beermen past Ginebra

By Klyde Manansala | Photos by Tristan Tamayo

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel knew what was coming for them.

Although they braced for a tough comeback after destroying the San Miguel Beermen in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, the Gin Kings still failed to weather the storm as the Beermen returned the favor in dominant fashion, winning 134-109 to even their best-of-seven series.

San Miguel was just too much to handle for the Gins, especially with Alex Cabagnot—who just scored five points in the previous match—dropping a career-high 33 points to help the Beermen shift the momentum to their side.

“Outhustled namin sila. Kung 100 percent ‘yung intensity namin ngayon, last time, it’s a 70 percent. It’s just a walkthrough, ‘yung first game namin, because we allowed them to execute their play,” coach Leo Austria said.

Austria had nothing but praise for his guys who overpowered the Gins after “humiliating” them in a lopsided Game 1. “Everybody, wala akong sini-sino sa mga players ko, lahat sila nag step-up,”

“We’re able to get back and now we have a series, I’m so thankful for the players because they were able to realize the importance of Game 2,” he added.

Cabagnot shot 66.7 percent from the field while draining five three-pointers that did enough to contain Ginebra’s short runs in the game.

“Outhustled namin sila. Kung 100 percent ‘yung intensity namin ngayon, last time, it’s a 70 percent. It’s just a walkthrough, ‘yung first game namin, because we allowed them to execute their play

“The factor here is the shooting percentage of our wingmen especially Alex Cabagnot. Kung obsessed ‘yung kalaban namin sa last game, si Alex kanina obsessed eh. He can feel it. He really wants to win,” Austria said.

The Beermen led by as many as 31 points in the second quarter to end the first half comfortably, 77-46, while making 61 percent from the field.

League MVP contender Jun Mar Fajardo finished with 25 points while Renaldo Balkman, Marcio Lassiter, and rookie Christian Standhardinger all contributed 20 points each.

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