Who Won the PBA San Miguel vs NLEX 2019 Game? Full Match Recap and Highlights

I remember sitting in the Smart Araneta Coliseum that Sunday evening, feeling the electric tension that only a PBA Philippine Cup semifinal can generate. The air was thick with anticipation - not just for the game's outcome, but for whether Marcio Lassiter could finally break free from his shooting slump that had been troubling him throughout the series. Having followed the PBA for over a decade, I've witnessed countless players struggle with their form during critical playoff moments, but what Lassiter did that night was something truly special.

The San Miguel Beermen entered Game 4 with a 2-1 series lead against NLEX Road Warriors, but there was this underlying concern among us longtime fans about their outside shooting. Lassiter, one of the league's most reliable three-point threats, had been unusually quiet from beyond the arc. The numbers don't lie - he came into Sunday's game shooting just 1-of-7 from threes, including that disappointing 0-of-1 clip in Game 2 and going 0-of-3 in Game 3. I'd been watching him closely throughout the series, noticing how TNT's defensive schemes were effectively limiting his looks, forcing him into difficult positions and contested shots.

What unfolded in Game 4 was a masterclass in perseverance and offensive execution. Lassiter didn't just break out of his slump - he shattered it with authority. The transformation was remarkable to witness firsthand. I recall turning to my colleague during warmups and commenting how focused he looked, spending extra time on his shooting form while other players were already heading to the locker room. That dedication translated perfectly when the game tipped off. He apparently freed himself from TNT's tight guarding through a combination of clever off-ball movement and strategic screening from his teammates. The first three-pointer came early in the second quarter, and you could feel the collective relief and excitement ripple through the San Miguel contingent in the arena.

The real magic happened later in the game when Lassiter knocked down not just one but two threes, with that incredible four-pointer to boot. That four-point play was particularly spectacular - he drew contact while releasing the ball from well beyond the arc, maintained his form perfectly, and watched as the ball swished through the net. The arena erupted, and I found myself jumping to my feet along with thousands of other fans. That sequence didn't just add points to the board - it completely shifted the game's momentum and demoralized NLEX's defense. From my vantage point, you could see the NLEX players' shoulders slump, while the San Miguel bench exploded with energy.

San Miguel's 111-98 victory wasn't solely due to Lassiter's shooting resurgence, but it was undoubtedly the catalyst. His 18 points might not seem astronomical on the stat sheet, but the timing and manner of those points were crucial. Having analyzed basketball statistics for years, I can tell you that momentum-shifting threes often have a value beyond their numerical worth - they change defensive schemes, open driving lanes for teammates, and create offensive opportunities that weren't previously available. June Mar Fajardo was his typically dominant self with 25 points and 16 rebounds, but it was Lassiter's outside threat that forced NLEX to extend their defense, creating more space for Fajardo to operate in the paint.

What impressed me most wasn't just the made shots themselves, but how Lassiter created them. He used screens more effectively, incorporated more misdirection in his cuts, and showed better shot preparation than in previous games. These might seem like small adjustments, but at this level of competition, against defenders of this caliber, those minor tweaks make all the difference. I've always believed that great shooters don't just shoot - they work to get open, they understand defensive rotations, and they maintain confidence even during cold streaks. Lassiter demonstrated all these qualities in Game 4.

The victory gave San Miguel a commanding 3-1 series lead, putting them in excellent position to advance to the finals. From my perspective, this game could very well be remembered as the turning point not just in this series, but potentially in San Miguel's championship aspirations. When a shooter of Lassiter's caliber rediscovers his rhythm during the playoffs, it transforms an entire team's offensive dynamic. Opponents can no longer help off him aggressively, which creates better opportunities for players like Fajardo, Ross, and Cabagnot.

Reflecting on the game afterward, I kept thinking about the mental toughness required to perform like that after struggling through three games. Basketball at this level is as much psychological as it is physical. Lassiter could have easily become passive, settling for fewer attempts or losing confidence in his shot. Instead, he worked harder, moved smarter, and trusted his preparation. That's the mark of a true professional, and it's why I've always considered him one of the most valuable players in the league, even when his shot isn't falling.

The final buzzer saw San Miguel securing a well-deserved victory, but more importantly, they rediscovered a crucial weapon in their arsenal. As someone who's watched countless PBA playoff series, I can confidently say that when Lassiter is hitting from deep, San Miguel becomes an entirely different beast - one that's incredibly difficult to beat in a seven-game series. This performance didn't just win them a game - it might have very well set the tone for their entire championship run.