MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer turned the heat up late in the game and pulled the rug on TNT, 88-76, in Saturday’s out-of-town PBA affair at the University of San Agustin Gym in Iloilo City.

Trailing as the game entered the final frame, the Beermen began knocking down shots from distance to close the gap halfway through the period. 

Arwind Santos unloaded the gut punches just as the game wound down. He pulled off his signature foot-on-the backboard after a dunk in transition to the delight of the crowd.

Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter then knocked down their respective shots to put the game far from the KaTropa’s reach and to book their third straight victory in the all-Filipino conference.

After the loss, TNT drops in the bottom half of the standings, joining Alaska, Meralco and Rain or Shine with a 1-2 record.

The victory puts the reigning conference champion San Miguel latched on top of the standings and on track in their bid to secure a four-peat.

The scores: 

SAN MIGUEL 88 - Fajardo 20, Lassiter 15, Santos 15, Cabagnot 11, Ganuelas-Rosser 8, Pessumal 7, Ross 5, Heruela 5, De Ocampo 2, Semerad 0, Mamaril 0, Lanete 0. 

TALK N' TEXT 76 - Rosario 15, Tautuaa 12, Pogoy 11, Castro 9, Garcia 9, Williams 9, Semerad 6, Reyes 5, Golla 0, Carey 0, Torres 0, Onwubere 0. 

Quarters: 14-24, 35-36, 58-61, 88-76.