Tag: Lassiter

Lassiter rues blown chance for SMB in Game 3

On: By: admin


San Miguel Beer swingman Marcio Lassiter gestures during Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel swingman Marcio Lassiter lamented what could’ve been another Beermen game for the taking.

Instead of gaining the upper hand in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals against Meralco, it was the Beermen who were back to playing catchup down 2-1 in the title series.

The worst part about losing Game 3 for Lassiter and San Miguel was the fact that the game could’ve gone either way.

READ: PBA Finals: Chris Newsome, Meralco deliver own dagger in Game 3

“Obviously it’s a tough loss like Game 2 was a tough loss on them. It’s going to be a long series but we got our heads up. We could’ve won that game too with breaks of the game,” said Lassiter, who scored 12 points and five rebounds on Sunday.

“We didn’t capitalize on a few things, obviously rebounding and some late-game shots but all in all, we know we could do better.”

But despite playing hard-nosed defense late in the game, the Bolts just knew how to respond down the stretch with Chris Newsome hitting a clutch 3-pointer reminiscent of Lassiter’s triple in the waning seconds of Game 2.

READ: PBA Finals: Meralco escapes San Miguel for 2-1 series edge

“Breaks of the game,” as Lassiter would say but Newsome’s clutch bucket also made Lassiter realize what this series has become for them and Meralco.

“It seems like it’s [always] all coming down to one possession. Each possession’s crucial.”

The Beermen look to equalize in Game 4 on Wednesday still at the Big Dome.

Marcio Lassiter just needed small opening for winner

On: By: admin


Meralco Bolts’ Marcio Lassier during the PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 2 against San Miguel Beermen. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

SCHEDULE: PBA Philippine Cup Finals San Miguel vs Meralco

MANILA, Philippines—Just a clear look at the basket. That was all Marcio Lassiter needed to bring the PBA Philippine Cup Finals between San Miguel and Meralco to a 1-1 deadlock

At the tail-end of a thrilling Game 2 between the Beermen and the Bolts, Meralco held a precarious two-point lead, 94-92, with 20 seconds to go in the fourth.

When San Miguel needed someone to pull them out of the gutter, Marcio Lassiter reminded everyone why he’s closing in on being the player with the most made three-point baskets in the PBA.

READ: PBA Finals: Meralco quickly moves on from Game 2 heartbreak

“Coming down, I was just thinking; if the shot’s there, just take it,” said Lassiter after the 95-94 victory for the Beermen.

“I think CJ (Perez) even told me to be ready when he (Chris Banchero) was at the free throw line. I just knew if I can get to my spot, read the defense and pump fake, I can be open. I got a good look at the basket and that’s all I really need.”

Meralco had several chances to seal the deal and take a 2-0 lead, but the game breaks cost the Bolts big time.

Banchero, who finished with 16 points, could’ve given Meralco a 3-point cushion but split the all-important freebies after Lassiter fouled him in the dying seconds of the game.

Lassiter saw that as the perfect opening—and that’s all “Super Marcio” ever really needs.

“Anytime I can get a good look and see the rim, I really feel like I can make it. A few times before, I was able to stay poised and when given an opportunity, I take it. Credit to CJ for keeping his head up and finding me in the corner.”

READ: PBA record can wait as Marcio Lassiter shoots for another title

Lassiter only finished with six points and before his game-winner, the  Gilas Pilipinas gunner struggled the field with a 1-for-7 shooting clip.

Lassiter understood the situation, saying Meralco had good things in mind by limiting the Beermen from shooting perimeter buckets.

“There’s nothing you can do to stop all of us but you can contain certain things and they wanted to contain some outside shooting today, it seems like… If there was a slither or opening, that’s when I have to be ready and take that shot,” he said.

With the series tied at one game a piece, Lassiter understands that the series is far from over, with both games in the Finals so far, having a point differential of below double digits.

Only one squad will take the 2-1 advantage this Sunday at the same venue, though, and the sharpshooter expects nothing more than another dogfight come Game 3.

“It’s too early. We know it’s going to grind out games this whole series. We can’t expect them to just roll over, they’re a good team. That’s why they’re in the Finals. They’re well-coached and we have to make adjustments.”