MANILA, Philippines – Overcoming a late comeback by San Miguel, Eastern prevailed by a score of 84-74 and maintained a good position for a Final Four berth in the EASL Home And Away Season 2 on Wednesday night at the Philsports Arena. Eastern relied on a massive double-digit advantage to achieve this victory.

After a tip-in by June Mar Fajardo and an all-Filipino San Miguel five on the floor, the Hong Kong-based team saw its 20-point lead trimmed down to just 70-77 with 2 minutes and seven seconds remaining in the game.

But the away side responded with five consecutive baskets that were not replied to by the home team. These scores came from a three-pointer made by Kobe Lam and a jumper made by Cameron Clark, which caused the defending PBA Commissioner’s Cup winner to lose his composure.

The Eastern team increased their overall record to 3-2 and is now in a position to compete for the remaining semi-final spot in Group A. Taoyua Pauian Pilots are currently ranked second, slightly above Eastern, with a record of 3-1, while Suwon KT Sonicboom is currently ranked fourth with a record of 2-3.

Fajardo produced a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds, and Don Trollano also had 20 points, four rebounds, and five assists. The Beermen played without injured stars Marcio Lassiter and Chris Ross, but Fajardo was able to deliver.

Mensur Bajramovic, the coach of Eastern, stressed the difficulty of facing San Miguel, a squad that is led by a dominating big man. Bajramovic noted that the team went into the game with a well-thought-out strategy, as they were aware of the fact that they needed a unique tactic to combat this intimidating presence.

The domination of San Miguel is largely attributable to the impact of their big man, who is a fundamental component of both their offensive and defensive plays. The fact that he is able to exert control over the paint, score in an effective manner, and impact the speed of the game makes him an essential component of their success. Through the implementation of strategies that were intended to disturb his rhythm and limit his efficacy, Eastern’s strategy tried to eliminate this threat.

It is most likely that Bajramovic’s plan centered on controlling the big man by employing a variety of defensive strategies, including physical matchups, strategic double teams, and defensive strategies. In addition, the approach entailed modifying Eastern’s offensive plays in order to take advantage of any potential openings that may have been generated by San Miguel’s reliance on its focal player.

In their preparation, Eastern demonstrated that they have a healthy respect for San Miguel’s capabilities and that they are determined to meet the challenge successfully. The competitive intensity and strategic depth of the clash were highlighted by Bajramovic’s leadership and tactical attitude, which demonstrated the significance of preparation and adaptation in high-stakes games. Furthermore, the matchup highlighted the value of adaptability.

While Cameron Clark scored 25 points and grabbed eight rebounds against his previous team, Chris McLaughlin, another import, contributed 15 points and 15 rebounds.

The loss marked San Miguel’s third consecutive defeat versus Eastern, which included a sweep of their two head-to-head matchups in the Super League of the East Asian League. An additional victory was achieved in the Commissioner’s Cup.

As Eastern coach Mensur Bajramovic acknowledged the difficulty of overcoming the same opponent three times in a row, he highlighted his pleasure in his team’s accomplishment and expressed his satisfaction with the outcome. He expressed his gratitude to his players for their unwavering commitment and tireless effort, both of which were essential in accomplishing the feat.

Meanwhile, San Miguel’s problems in the tournament persisted, as the team had not yet won any of their five games after the tournament began. Their performance placed them at the bottom of Group A, with only one more opportunity to secure a victory in their final match scheduled for February 12 against the Suwon KT Sonicboom. A number of problems have been encountered by the team during the competition, including difficulties in executing their game plans and competing against opponents that have been well prepared. The squad’s winless record is a reflection of these challenges.

San Miguel still has a chance to finish their campaign on a positive note, despite the fact that they have experienced some setbacks. The upcoming match against Suwon KT Sonicboom presents an opportunity for the team to regroup, display their resilience, and strive for a morale-boosting victory. Bajramovic’s remarks and San Miguel’s ongoing efforts highlight the intensity and unpredictability of the tournament, where every game tests the resolve and preparation of all competing teams.