Beermen mauls Terrafirma in PBA
June Mar Fajardo made his return from his lengthy absence as San Miguel Beermen cruised to a lopsided 131-103 victory over Terrafirma Dyip in the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday night, November 23, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Fajardo, who was sidelined due to a throat operation, finished with 20 points, with 15 coming in the second half, as the Beermen racked up back-to-back victories to improve to a 5-5 win-loss slate.
Ilonggo Jericho Cruz led the way with 25 points, including six triples, Devon Scott had triple-double 21 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists, while Vic Manuel and Jaymar Perez contributed 19 and 12 points, respectively, for the Beermen.
Terrence Romeo, who was earlier activated for the match, was not inserted in the contest and can make his return from back injury when the Beermen face TNT Tropang Giga on Saturday night, November 26.
The Beermen went to work early behind consecutive triples by Cruz to build a 29-19 lead. Cruz continued his three-point connections in the second quarter, while Manuel also got his shooting touch from inside as it grew to 63-38 at the half.
In the second half, San Miguel Beer utilized the inside presence of Fajardo, while Perez and Ilonggo Paul Zamar also got their conversions as the lead reached its largest at 33 points.
Beermen assistant coach Jorge Gallent said that they still had the same approach despite knowing before the match that the Dyip was without reinforcements Lester Prosper and Alex Cabagnot.
“Our game plan really was to play hard,” Gallent said.
“We didn’t think about them being import-less. From tip-off, we talked to one another and said that we had to play 48 minutes of basketball,” he added.
Juan Miguel Tiongson ended with 28 points, with five outside conversions, while Javi Gomez de Liano and Allen Mina added 17 and 15 markers, respectively, as the Dyip dropped to 1-10.
SAN MIGUEL 131 — Cruz 25, Scott 21, Fajardo 20, Manuel 19, Perez 12, Zamar 9, Enciso 5, Herndon 5, Ross 4, Brondial 4, Faundo 4, Canete 2, Lassiter 1.
TERRAFIRMA 103 — Tiongson 28, Gomez de Liano 17, Mina 15, Ramos 8, Munzon 8, Camson 7, Javelona 6, Gabayni 5, Alolino 4, Balagasay 3, Grospe 2, Cahilig 0.
Quarterscores: 29-19, 63-38, 96-67, 131-103./