SMB finds rhythm, shuts out Meralco

Sports

THE San Miguel Beermen bounced back from a big flop the last time out as they took out the Meralco Bolts, 103-92, in the 50th PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday night, April 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Coming off a shock 120-126 loss to the lowly Blackwater Bossing, the Beermen finally played true to form, securing the victory despite falling behind at the half, 48-55.

San Miguel buckled down to serious work in the third period, never looking back after ending the quarter with a 77-73 lead.

The Beermen, thus, improved to 5-5 (win-loss), good for seventh spot–well inside the playoff picture as eight squads will make it to the quarterfinal round.

Meralco fell to 5-3 after suffering a second straight setback.

June Mar Fajardo was dominant for the Beermen, finishing with 19 points and 17 rebounds. Don Trollano pitched in 16 points while import Bennie Boatwright tossed in 16 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.

San Miguel’s deep firepower was on full display as CJ Perez and Mo Tautuaa also scored in double figures with 14 and 12, respectively.

Import Marvin Jones topped the Bolts with 26 points and 13 rebounds. Chris Newsome chipped in 18, while Chris Banchero and CJ Cansino donated 12 markers each.

Interestingly, the Bossing sputtered after that huge win over the Beermen as they succumbed to the Macau Black Knights, 119-123, in the first game of the day’s double-header.

Macau and Blackwater now hold similar 2-8 slates–the worst records in the 13-team field.(CCM)