San Miguel extended its winning streak to three by adding to Blackwater’s woes, 99-80, in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup, Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The Beermen pulled away in the third quarter after losing hold of the match in the previous period, where they lost a double-digit lead and even trailed by a field goal before regaining the upper hand heading into the halftime break.
“We knew from the start that this would not be an easy game for us,” said head coach Leo Austria. “Nakita naman natin in the first half … we were able to get the lead in double figures but na-wipe out ito sandali lang.
“I knew this Blackwater team is really trying hard to exert some effort, and they showed it this afternoon. Maybe it’s just a matter of time for them to be competitive. But my veterans stepped up,” he added.
June Mar Fajardo had his best game of the conference so far, leading the Beermen with 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting alongside 11 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks as SMB improved to 4-1.
“I’m happy for him because he really wanted to get back to his old form. Kanina slowly, nakikita na natin ‘yung dominance niya inside. But it’s not enough for him because he’s thinking of something pa eh,” said Austria.
CJ Perez had 14 points and five rebounds, Marcio Lassiter had 13 points, while Alex Cabagnot made 12 points, including nine in that third quarter surge.
Paul Zamar had 11 points, as Arwind Santos produced 10 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Shooter Von Pessumal added 10 as well, as a total of seven Beermen finished in twin digits in the rousing triumph.
“It was a collective effort on the part of the team,” said Austria as his squad has won in successive fashion since losing their debut versus NLEX.
San Miguel was on top, 32-21, past the midway mark of the second chapter, but the Bossing woke up all of a sudden and fired a 16-3 blitz — capped by a Simon Enciso three-pointer — to take the lead, 37-35, with 1:28 to go.
Lassiter, though, hit a jumper to tie the game up, and Mo Tautuaa’s free throws gave the Beermen back the lead, 39-38, at the end of the half.
They never let up from that point on. SMB came out of the break with their guns ablaze, and an Arwind Santos bucket punctuated an overwhelming 19-4 blast to erect a wide 58-42 advantage with 3:32 on the clock.
San Miguel would go on to enjoy a lead as high as 25 twice before coasting to the dominant victory.
“With the support of the bench, na-sustain namin ‘yung lead namin in the second half,” Austria said. “I’m happy for the second group na-sustain nila ‘yung lamang and lumaki pa. Kaya kino-congratulate ko sila rito.”
Meanwhile, Simon Enciso had 25 points to lead Blackwater, who suffered its fourth loss in as many games.
San Miguel will next face defending champs Barangay Ginebra (1-2) in a heavyweight clash on Sunday, August 1, at 4:35 p.m. Blackwater, meanwhile battles Phoenix (1-2) on Saturday, July 31, at 2:00 p.m.
The Scores:
San Miguel 99 — Fajardo 16, Perez 14, Lassiter 13, Cabagnot 12, Zamar 11, Pessumal 10, Santos 10, Ross 5, Gotladera 2, Comboy 2, Gamalinda 2, Tautuaa 2.
Blackwater 80 — Enciso 25, Tolomia 12, Nabong 12, Daquioag 9, Desiderio 5, Escoto 5, Canaleta 4, Amer 4, Magat 2, Acuno 2, Paras 0, Semerad 0, Gabriel 0, Dennison 0, Torralba 0.
Quarterscores: 20-11, 39-38, 69-53, 99-80
