ANTIPOLO – San Miguel blew past the debuting Ginebra, 90-78, to build a mini streak in the PBA On Tour, Sunday night at the Ynares Center here.
The Beermen jumped to an 18-8 lead and that proved to be the start of a one-sided affair on the way to their second win in a row after starting the preseason tournament with a 101-106 loss to Phoenix Super LPG last May 24.
“We’re just here to learn — learn, improve, and win,” offered head coach Jorge Gallent. “We learn from our mistakes, we improve on our mistakes, and that’s what we’re gonna do in this PBA On Tour: learn, improve, and win.”
Continuing his fine play, Terrence Romeo led SMB with 21 points, including 16 in the second half as he helped sustain their good start to ensure the victory.
Jericho Cruz supplied 18 points. CJ Perez finished with 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists as he played in the On Tour for the first time as his way to regain rhythm in preparation for Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA World Cup buildup.
“CJ really wanted to play because I think he’s gearing up also. Not naman out of shape but out of basketball rhythm, so I’m just happy he played today,” the veteran mentor said. “I think he’ll play until our game in Quezon.”
Rodney Brondial came through with another double-double with 12 markers and 16 boards. Allyn Bulanadi added 10 points, including the bucket that pushed their lead to a game-high 24, 79-55, early in the final period.
San Miguel (2-1) will try to make it three straight against the 2-0 Rain or Shine on Wednesday, June 7, 7:30 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Leading Ginebra, on the other hand, was former Perpetual standout Kim Aurin as he finished with 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Aljon Mariano made 17 points and eight rebounds while Raymond Aguilar added 14 and nine for the Kings, who didn’t have Jamie Malonzo, Christian Standhardinger, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, and Stanley Pringle.
Ginebra will take on the undefeated Magnolia (3-0) next in an On Tour Clasico next Sunday, June 11, 7:30 p.m. also at Ynares-Antipolo.
The Scores:
San Miguel 90 – Romeo 21, Cruz 18, Perez 15, Brondial 12, Bulanadi 10, Lee 8, Faundo 3, Baclao 2, Tautuaa 1, Apacible 0, De Vera 0.
Ginebra 78 – Aurin 18, Mariano 17, Aguilar R. 14, Gray 9, Pessumal 6, Salcedo 4, Espanola 3, Pinto 3, David 2, Dillinger 2, Gumaru 0.
Quarterscores: 23-13, 45-27, 71-52, 90-78.
