San Miguel Beer snapped a two-game skid by beating Rain or Shine, 111-93, on Sunday to finally barge to win column in Season 50 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.
The Beermen, relying heavily on the firepower from CJ Perez and Marcio Lassiter, made sure to control the game throughout the first period up to the last minute, enough to give them their first victory after three games.
Perez unloaded 23 points while Lassiter fired all his 18 points in the second half with nine-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo providing the Beermen with 14 of his 17 points in the final quarter and grabbing 14 rebounds.
‘We are not in top shape compared to other teams because they started their training two months ago unlike us because I gave them time to relax and enjoy,’ SMB coach Leo Austria said. ‘I am happy that we finally ended the losing streak.’
SMB lost to NLEX and Phoenix Super LPG.
Rain or Shine fell to 1-1 win-loss record after its close win against Meralco. Adrian Nocum led the Elastopainters with 17 points.
Meanwhile, Meralco nipped Magnolia, 78-76, behind CJ Cansino’s 23 points and Aaron Black’s 17 points that extended its winning streak to three games for a 3-2 win-loss slate.
Magnolia dropped to 2-1. Jerom Lastimosa scored 22 points and Zav Lucero had 14 points to lead the Hotshots.