The San Miguel five were able catch a breather before heading to Lucena
During their tough seven-game semifinals series against the TNT Katropa, the entire starting five of the San Miguel Beermen averaged 35 or minutes of game time. Chris Ross was the lowest, logging in 35.9 minutes per game, while Alex Cabagnot played the most at 39.6.
But Cabagnot, Ross, June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, and Marcio Lassiter were able to catch a break in Game One of the 2016-17 PBA Philippine Cup Finals as they were quickly able to get an upper hand right from the get-go. San Miguel led for 46 minutes in the game, and were even up by as many as 36 points during the third frame.
“Naglilisik ang mga mata ng mga players ko because they know how important winning Game One is,” San Miguel head coach Leo Austria said after their 109-82 rout of Ginebra.
No one played more than 30 minutes for San Miguel; Santos had the most, clocking in exactly 30 minutes in the game. Ross played 29 minutes and finished with a game-high 17 points and eight assists, while June Mar Fajardo had 17 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks in just 22 minutes of game time.
“That’s huge for us because on Tuesday we all played over 40 mins except for JMF. It’s huge for us — the starters — to get some rest and for our bench to get some confidence,” Ross shared.
“Our bench guys came in and played well… Brian Heruela and he did an amazing job. Gabby [Espinas] played well, Keith [Agovida] played well so those guys coming off the bench is the key for us.”
The bench stepped up big for San Miguel in this game, scoring 42 points to help ease the pressure of the starters in this game. Espinas led the mob with 16 points, while Tubid added 11 markers.
And for Santos, the bench support could not have come any sooner, as they are set to depart for the Quezon Province in less than 12 hours for Game Two.
“Malaking bagay yun kasi bukas ang haba ng biyahe namin, mga four hours yun tapos may practice pa,” Santos shared adding that rest is their closest ally right now.
“Dito pumapasok yung professionalism namin na kung pagod ka, samantalahin na ang pahinga.”
With a good rest, expect a refreshed San Miguel Five heading in Game Two.
