Beermen play their hearts out in Game 4 triumph over Ginebra, says coach Jorge Gallent

San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent issued a challenge for his charges in their practice on Tuesday, Oct. 15.

The Beermen responded big time and gave Gallent more than what he asked for as they hammered out a 131-121 win in Game 4 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semifinals the following day.

The best-of-seven series is now tied at 2-all.

“I just challenged them in yesterday’s practice that we had to come out strong, bring a lot of effort and energy so that we will have a great chance of winning this game,” Gallent said.

June Mar Fajardo was among those who stepped up, submitting 29 points, 16 rebounds, and three assists to atone for a subpar performance three days ago.

Fajardo was held to 12 points and 14 rebounds while also fumbling with five turnovers in Game 3.

Import EJ Anosike put up 27 points and 11 rebounds, while CJ Perez turned in 20 points, seven assists, six rebounds, two steals and a block.

Marcio Lassiter and Don Trollano chipped in 15 points apiece for San Miguel, which outscored the Gin Kings, 37-29, in the third quarter to post a 99-85 buffer heading into the final frame.

The Beermen were never in any real danger after that.

“Kudos to them. They played their hearts out now. I hope we continue to play like this in our remaining games,” said Gallent.

San Miguel was so fluid that Justin Brownlee’s 49-point outburst for the Gin Kings did not make any difference.

Brownlee, who already poured 23 points in the first half, also had nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block.

Stephen Holt supported him with 17 points built on two triples that went with three rebounds and two assists.

The Scores:

SAN MIGUEL 131 – Fajardo 29, Anosike 27, Perez 20, Lassiter 15, Trollano 15, Romeo 14, Cruz 8, Ross 3.

GINEBRA 121 – Brownlee 49, Holt 17, Thompson 15, J.Aguilar 12, Abarrientos 11, Ahanmisi 5, Tenorio 5, Pinto 3, Adamos 2, Devance 2, Cu 0.

Quarterscores: 34-28, 62-56, 99-85, 131-121