English
ANTIPOLO, Philippines – San Miguel Beermen continue to lead early in the continuing PBA Cup. Claimed a second Victory over NLEX, 100-92, CJ Perez led the way scoring 19 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Beermen held five straight years during the 2014-2019 seasons.
Marcio Lassiter added 18 while Vic Manuel 14 to help lead San Miguel against an erstwhile-unbeaten enemy. Lassiter finished with 18 points on a 4-of-8-clip from long range to become only the ninth player in PBA history to make 1,000 three-pointers as the Beermen gained an early lead in the standings with a 2-0 card. Now, on his 11th season, Lassiter achieved the feat with 35:56 minutes left in the second quarter, with this triple helping San Miguel enter the break trailing just 50-53 after being down by as many as 12 points.
The Beermen then outscored the Road Warriors 28-20 in the third quarter to seize a 78-73 lead en route to the win as San Miguel highlighted its flaunted depth with five players scoring in double figures.
Facing his former team NLEX for the first time since joining San Miguel, Jericho Cruz contributed in the victory with 10 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
It was such a balanced scoring with; Fajardo did not need to score much after starring in their conference opener against Phoenix with 24 points and 15 rebounds. He still made his presence felt for the team with 9 points and 14 rebounds.
The leading team Beermen anticipates extending its unbeaten run when it goes up against corporate sibling Magnolia again at the hilltop venue a week from now.
While, NLEX is hoping to be just as productive when in battles defending champion TNT, which, incidentally, is the Road Warriors’ sister team. The two clubs battle Thursday next week.
The Road warriors also spread the wealth with five players breaching twin digits, with Don Trollano.
Don Trollano controlled the way with 21 points, while Calvin Oftana and Justin Chua added 16 and 12, respectively, for the Road Warriors who dropped to 1-1.
But, NLEX – which overcame a 16-point deficit against Terrafirma for a triumphant season debut – failed to protect its double-digit lead as San Miguel notched its first 2-0 start since the 2019 Governor’s Cup.
Quarters; 25-33, 50-53, 78-73, 100-92.
Gilas defeats the tough and strong Tall Blacks
MANILA, Philippines – GILAS Pilipinas extended its undefeated record in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifications Thursday night by finally breaking through against New Zealand, 93-89.
