Panthers overrun fancied Beermen

Pop Cola squandered a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter but refused to roll down and die in hacking out a 96-95 squeaker over San Miguel Beer in overtime in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Sports Center last night.

Rossell Ellis scored on a strong drive, Johnny Abarrientos pumped in a three-pointer while Nelson Asaytono had a free throw in a crucial six-point binge the Panthers unleashed in the last 44 seconds of extension to salvage the win, their second in four starts.

Lamont Strothers had another explosive performance with 34 points but missed an ill-advised shot from way, way out in the closing seconds to hasten the Beermen’s downfall.

Strothers could have elected to dribble the time away before driving to the hoop in the final second with the count tied at 95-all.

With Strothers’ attempt going a little long, Asaytono grabbed the rebound and went to the stripe for the winning charity off a foul by Freddie Abuda.

San Miguel still got a chance to steal the game but Abuda missed a shot from the right flank at the buzzer. It was SMB’s first loss in three starts.

Meanwhile, Tanduay hopes to bounce back from a shattering loss to Sta. Lucia Realty the last time out as it parades a new import in Billy Thomas against Red Bull at the resumption of play at the Philsports Arena.

One of the prolific outside gunners from University of Kansas, the former Jayhawk led the International Basketball League in three-point conversion (162 ) while playing for the Cincinnati Stuff last season. He also played with the Kansas Cagerz in the United States Basketball League.