NOT even the friendly confines of PhilSports Arena could help the San Miguel Beermen secure an elusive victory, falling to Hong Kong Eastern, 74-84, in the EASL Home And Away Season 2 on Wednesday night, January 15.

Already out of title contention, the Beermen came into the match looking to give hometown fans some reason to celebrate. But Eastern was having none of it, spoiloing San Miguel’s bid and dealt the Beermen a fifth straight loss in as many games.

Though they came up empty again, the Beermen put up a gallant loss in the loss, cutting what was once a 20-point lead to just 70-77 in the final 2:07.

That proved to be the Beermen’s last stand as Kobe Lam sank a trifecta and Cameron Clark, a former San Miguel import, hit a jumper that restored a safe 12-point cushion for Eastern.

With the win, Eastern improved to 3-2 (win-loss) and remained in contention for a semifinal berth in Group A.

Clark led Eastern with 25 points and eight rebounds while his fellow import Chris McLaughlin chipped in 15 markers.

Fajardo and Don Trollano finished with 20 points each to the Beermen, who played without injured players Marcio Lassiter and Chris Ross.

THE SCORES:

EASTERN (84) - Clark 25, McLaughlin, 15, Blankley 11, Yang 11, Lam 10, Cheung 7, Cao 5, Leung 0, Chan 0, Pok 0, Zhu 0, Xu 0.

SAN MIGUEL (74) - Fajardo 20, Trollano 20, Tiongson 8, Cruz 6, Jones 6, Perez 5, Teng 4, Tautuaa 4, Cahilig 1, Rosales 0, Nava 0, Narcis 0.

QUARTERSCORES: 30-11; 48-32; 70-50; 84-74.(CCM)

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