Coming off a loss to Ginebra, the San Miguel Beermen vented their frustrations on the Alaska Aces, 119-107, to return to the win column of the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Friday night at the Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay City.
The Beermen exploded for 36 points in the second quarter alone. They also limited the opposition to just 14 markers en route to an enormous 65-41 lead at the half. It was all San Miguel after that, as they led by as many as 28 points.
“For us, this is a very important game. We didn’t want to be left behind,” said San Miguel head coach Leo Austria, whose side improved to 2-3 with the win. “I’m so happy nagkaroon ng sense of urgency and we were able to recover.”
Alex Cabagnot led SMB with 31 points – 20 in the first half alone – with six assists, four rebounds, and two steals.
Import Charles Rhodes finished with 23 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks in the win. Marcio Lassiter also had 23 points, spiked by three triples. Meanwhile, Arwind Santos and June Mar Fajardo scored 15 and 14, respectively.
Chris Ross only saw action for 13 minutes in the win as he suffered a leg injury, Austria revealed.
“Ayaw namin i-aggravate,” the decorated bench strategist shared. “Mabuti na lang lamang kami. Some players stepped up. Ganuelas (Matt Ganuelas-Rosser) did well sa kanyang trabaho na mag-point guard and defend.”
Chris Banchero had 26 points and six assists to lead Alaska, who have now lost back-to-back and are now 4-4.
The Aces’ defeat spoiled the return of import Chris Daniels, who sat out for a game due a slight injury and was replaced temporary by Nino Johnson. Daniels contributed 23 points, 22 rebounds, two assists, and a block.
San Miguel will next face rivals Magnolia Hotshots on June 26, Wednesday. Meanwhile, Alaska will take on Justin Brownlee-led Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on June 30, Sunday. Both games will be at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
San Miguel 119 – Cabagnot 31, Rhodes 23, Lassiter 23, Santos 15, Fajardo 14, Standhardinger 6, Nabong 3, Rosser 2, Zamar 2, Pessumal 0, Ross 0, Tubid 0.
Alaska 107 – Banchero 26, Daniels 23, Enciso 18, Teng 11, Ayaay 8, Pascual 6, Manuel 6, Casio 5, Thoss 4, Exciminiano 0, Racal 0, Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 29-27, 65-41, 85-67, 119-107
