MANILA — Import Arizona Reid went virtually unstoppable, pouring 41 huge points to lead the San Miguel Beermen to a resounding 96-89 victory over the Alaska Aces in Game 3 of their best-of-seven PBA Governors' Cup Finals. The Aces threw all caution to the wind in a bid to arrest a two-game slide but their effort went down the drain as they fell into a 0-3 hole from which no team has ever come out on top in league Finals history. San Miguel Beer can wrap up the championship with a Game 4 victory Friday. Reid also had 12 rebounds as he defied all guards thrown at him with another spectacular performance. Reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo provided ample support finishing with 14 points and 18 rebounds. Alex Cabagnot added 18 points. Just like in Game 2, the Beermen were at their deadliest in the fourth quarter Wednesday, outscoring the Aces 20-12. Their backs against the wall, the Aces started strong, taking a 19-12 lead. But the Beermen once again asserted their might, racking up 11 straight points, capped by a rim-rattling Fajardo dunk, to take a four-point lead. The Aces regained the lead in the second quarter after a 16-4 run, including back-to-back baskets from Calvin Abueva, as they took the half, 52-48. The two teams both had scoring spurts in the third quarter, with the Beermen regaining the lead, 68-63, after a 13-4 blast. Led by import Romeo Travis, the Aces answered back to recapture the lead, 77-76, following a 10-4 run. The Beermen then made their signature romp in the fourth quarter as they went on a 10-0 tear to erect a 91-85 lead with less than three minutes left. The Aces appeared a spent force as the game was winding down, their usually solid defense cracking under the weight of their own desperation and the Beermen's relentless attacks. Game Friday: San Miguel Beermen vs. Alaska Aces (Game 4 of best-of-7 Finals; SMB up 3-0).
