Lassiter is new three-point king; Phoenix snaps skid
Marcio Lassiter wasted no time in putting an end to the chase of becoming the PBA’s new three-point king.
His third triple in the first quarter of San Miguel Beer’s marquee Governors’ Cup duel with Barangay Ginebra before a big crowd at Smart Araneta Coliseum allowed Lassiter to surpass the great Jimmy Alapag for most triples in a career.
The record-breaking trifecta, which came with still over seven minutes left in the opening period of the contest being played at press time, made it 1,251 for Lassiter and ended Alapag’s eight-year hold of the record.
Lassiter had been eyeing to set the mark for the weekend encounter against the Beermen’s sibling rival to cap off an impressive three-game stretch for the veteran swingman that started against NLEX, where he eclipsed the legendary Allan Caidic for second.
“I’ll try to start hot early and see if I can get one going,” said Lassiter before the contest.
He did just that.
It would be a fitting capper for Lassiter if San Miguel can get a win over Ginebra and clinch the first quarterfinal spot in Group B.
Meanwhile, RR Garcia’s vintage performance finally put Phoenix in the win column after a 0-7 start while putting a big dent on Blackwater’s quarterfinal ambitions.
Garcia’s 16 of 20 points in the final period not only helped the Fuel Masters to a 119-114 win in the opener, but also gave those familiar with the veteran guard a glimpse of his UAAP days with Far Eastern University.
He attacked the basket multiple times while also stepping up on defense as Phoenix derailed a Sedrick Barefield-led Blackwater rally to finally end its winless run while keeping its very slim hopes of a quarters berth alive.
“I guess my confidence is still there,” said Garcia in Filipino.
Coach Jamike Jarin praised Garcia, who at FEU was the UAAP Most Valuable Player in 2010 but after turning pro bounced around six teams, including two stints with Phoenix, in his 11-year career.
“The main reason he’s been playing well is because of his selfless plays and sacrifices. And one good thing about him is that he also takes care of his body,” said Jarin.
While Phoenix will enjoy the win, Blackwater is going to figure out how to turn a corner once more as a second straight defeat resulted in a 3-5 record that put the Bossing behind the proverbial eight-ball.
Blackwater must win its last two games, which will be against San Miguel Beer and Rain or Shine, and hope for NLEX, now in solo fourth in Group B, to slip up in its last three assignments that will be against Rain or Shine, Phoenix and Ginebra.
