The San Miguel Beermen overcame a slow first half showing to open their 2017 Commissioner’s Cup run on a winning note, 99-92, and deal the Meralco Bolts their first loss in five games, Sunday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
“I never thought we will play like this,” said Beermen head coach Leo Austria. “I expected we would be sluggish. Everybody was rusty at the start.”
Three Beermen spearheaded the charge in their debut win. June Mar Fajardo led all scorers with 24 points by going 11-of-16 along with 12 rebounds. Alex Cabagnot had 23 and nine dimes, while import Charles Rhodes had 22 and 12 boards.
The Beermen, once down 46-31 in the second frame, regained their bearings in the second half, especially in the final period. After a Baser Amer bucket, SMB then zoomed to 16-5 run ended by a Fajardo lay-up to post a 12-point lead, 95-83, and end the night for Meralco.
“Nung second half, dun dumating yung experience nila. Because of our experience, we were able to take care of the situation.
“We need to win to hace a statement to say that we’re back. I hope this win could inspire the team moving forward,” furthered Austria.
Marcio Lassiter added 16 markers despite going 7-of-16 from the floor. Forward Arwind Santos supplied 12 markers and six boards off the bench.
Alex Stepheson anchored the Bolts in their very first loss of the conference, scoring 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting alongside 26 rebounds. Jared Dillinger also had 21 by going 6-of-19, while Baser Amer chipped in 16 and eight dimes.
SMB shot a notable 50 percent from the floor, and they also capitalized on Meralco’s 18 turnovers as they scored 18 off it. However, Meralco rebounded better, 57-46, and received more support from the reserves, 30-12.
Both teams will play their next games this week at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. San Miguel will go first on Friday, April 7, as they face Phoenix at 7:00 PM,while Meralco will battle Alaska on Saturday, April 8, at 5:15 PM.
