San Miguel Beer refused to stay married to old habits and was rewarded for its willingness to adjust. The Beermen outworked Barangay Ginebra, 93-84, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Smart Araneta Coliseum to knot their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals at one game apiece.

After surrendering Game 1, San Miguel faced early trouble again as it absorbed deficits that ballooned to as many as 11 points in the first half. This time, however, the defending champions stayed patient and gradually wrestled control through discipline and depth.

Jeron Teng, a non-factor in the series opener, became the unexpected catalyst. He delivered all 13 of his points after halftime and changed the complexion of the contest with timely scoring and poise.

Teng rewards Austria’s trust

Teng entered at the 3:20 mark of the third quarter and never left the floor thereafter. He poured in 11 points in the final period alone while also contributing five rebounds and three assists as San Miguel stretched the margin to 91-79.

Head coach Leo Austria admitted he regretted not using Teng in Game 1 and challenged him to stay ready. That message resonated, as Teng responded without hesitation when his number was finally called.

Beyond scoring, Teng accepted defensive assignments against RJ Abarrientos and Scottie Thompson. His effort helped disrupt Ginebra’s rhythm during winning time.

New combinations change the tone

Abarrientos still produced 18 points, matching Stephen Holt for the Gin Kings’ team-high. Thompson, however, was limited to nine after igniting Ginebra’s early runs that built 25-14 and 39-28 advantages.

June Mar Fajardo once again anchored the Beermen, finishing with 21 points and hauling down 23 rebounds for the second straight game. Don Trollano and Jericho Cruz also responded strongly, combining for 23 points after struggling in the opener.

San Miguel overcame a disastrous shooting start from beyond the arc, missing its first 12 attempts before drilling five triples in the second half. Marcio Lassiter accounted for three of those shots, all arriving at moments that halted Ginebra momentum.

Austria also rolled out a lineup without a natural point guard late in the third quarter, with Teng, Cruz and Trollano sharing playmaking duties. The adjustment paid off, allowing the Beermen to dictate pace and spacing during the decisive stretch.