by Jonas Terrado
Game Tomorrow (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
6:30 p.m. – San Miguel vs Magnolia
(Magnolia leads series 3-2)
Mark Barroca scored a buzzer-beating jumper as Magnolia edged San Miguel Beer, 88-86, to take a 3-2 lead in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
But the result almost became secondary after a fan wearing a Spiderman costume was arrested with over three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of the contest that put the Hotshots within one win of the championship.
The fan entered the floor flashing a banner that witnesses said had a political message and colliding with June Mar Fajardo, who fell to the floor.
The person who refused to identify himself tried to evade security but wasn’t as elusive as the real character and was arrested by bouncers and policemen.
“Gusto ko lang magmahalan tayong lahat,” said the fan after he was brought to an area near the Big Dome press room where he was scolded by PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial.
An alleged accomplice named as Flenn John Lola and another fan were also arrested by security. The three were later brought to the Quezon City Police District Station 7 on P. Tuazon St. in Cubao, Quezon City.
Marcial later said the league will file charges on the fan pending the results of the investigation. “Sigurado kakasuhan namin,” said Marcial.
Stricter security measures are being planned for Sunday’s sixth game at the same venue with Magnolia looking to end San Miguel’s four-year title reign in the All-Filipino tournament.
The Hotshots blew a 49-36 lead at the half when the Beermen went on a 20-2 run to take a 56-51 lead in the third.
But Magnolia answered with a 18-4 spurt to regain the driver seat, 69-60, on Barroca’s corner trey.
San Miguel tried to make a run and got to within 84-78 when all hell broke loose.
When order was restored, the Beermen were able to tie the count at 86-all on Terrence’s Romeo three with 1:25 remaining.
San Miguel later had a chance to win it but Marcio Lassiter missed a three-pointer, setting up Barroca’s winner.
Scores:
MAGNOLIA 88 – Barroca 22, Sangalang 18, Lee 12, Jalalon 8, Reavis 8, Brondial 8, Dela Rosa 7, Melton 3, Pascual 2, Ramos 0.
SAN MIGUEL 86 – Fajardo 21, Lassiter 20, Santos 18, Romeo 11, Standhardinger 8, Cabagnot 5, Ross 3, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Pessumal 0.
Quarters: 27-18, 49-36, 69-63, 88-86.
