The San Miguel Beermen kicked off their new PBA season in impressive fashion, earning a 98–89 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors. More than just a win, the performance felt like a loud message to the rest of the league: San Miguel is still a force to be reckoned with.

From the opening tip-off, San Miguel came out with energy and purpose. They built an early double-digit lead thanks to aggressive defense and efficient offense. That fast start set the tone for the entire game, allowing them to stay in control and dictate the pace.

CJ Perez led the charge with a standout performance, scoring 28 points and showing why he’s one of the most dynamic guards in the league. He attacked the rim, hit outside shots, and played with confidence from beginning to end. Supporting him was Juami Tiongson, who added 17 points, while veteran big man June Mar Fajardo posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. It was a well-rounded effort from a team known for its depth.

One of the key takeaways from the game was San Miguel’s chemistry. Despite it being their first game of the season, the players looked in sync — moving the ball well, making smart decisions, and trusting each other. That kind of teamwork is what separates title contenders from the rest of the pack.

This win is important not just because it puts a number in the win column, but because it sets the tone early in the season. San Miguel didn’t just sneak by — they controlled the game from start to finish. That’s the kind of performance that builds confidence and creates momentum.

For San Miguel fans, this game was a reminder of the team’s championship pedigree. For the rest of the league, it was a warning shot. If the Beermen can keep this level of play up, they’ll be tough to beat this season.

Meanwhile, the San Miguel Beermen are a team known for dominance, experience, and winning. So, when they began their PBA season with two straight losses, fans and analysts were quick to ask: What went wrong? Head coach Leo Austria didn’t sugarcoat it. He pointed out that the team’s late preparation heading into the season played a big part in their struggles.

Starting a conference 0–2 isn’t the end of the world, but for a team like San Miguel, it’s definitely unexpected. In their opening games, the Beermen didn’t look like the well-oiled machine they usually are. Their offense lacked flow, their defense was inconsistent, and overall, they seemed out of sync. Coach Austria’s admission that the team wasn’t fully prepared explains a lot about their performance.

Late preparation affects everything — from team chemistry to physical conditioning. In professional basketball, it’s not enough to have talent; timing and rhythm are just as important. Without enough time to train together, even veteran squads can look rusty. That rust was visible in San Miguel’s first two games. Missed assignments, slow rotations, and poor shot selection all pointed to a group that needed more time to get into game shape.

Despite the shaky start, there’s no reason to panic. This is still a team loaded with experience and skill. Coach Austria’s honest assessment shows accountability, and that’s a good sign for the group moving forward. Admitting the team wasn’t ready is the first step toward fixing the problem.

Now, the focus has to shift to recovery. With a short conference format, every game matters. The Beermen will need to quickly regroup, improve their execution, and rediscover their winning habits. If any team can bounce back from a slow start, it’s San Miguel — but they’ll have to earn it.

In the end, the first two games of the season don’t define the whole journey. What matters is how the Beermen respond from here. Coach Austria has pointed out the issue. Now, it’s up to the team to turn things around.