Evan Brock of GlobalPort (light) vs June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel (dark). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer flaunted its depth to beat a Globalport side still searching for its first win, 109-92, and improve to 5-1 in the 2014 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen had three players with double-double efforts led by import Kevin Jones, who had 30 points and 19 rebounds.
Reigning MVP Arwind Santos recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds while guard Chris Ross posted 12 points and 11 assists.
San Miguel Beer pulled away after Globalport battled back to within seven behind Santos, who had eight points in the fourth quarter.
Despite a 5-1 start, SMB’s active consultant Todd Purves said some of his players are still not in full strength.
“There’s nowhere near we’re 100% yet. We still have some guys that are fighting through injuries and just gutting it out. Obviously, June Mar’s one of them, Sol Mercado’s one of them,” said Purves.
June Mar Fajardo and Sol Mercado though, were still key contributors for the Beermen. Fajardo, who missed games due to a sprained ankle, had 11 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks while the returning Mercado tallied 10 points against his former team.
Jay Washington paced the Batang Pier with 22 points while Evan Brock added 20 points and 16 rebounds. Rookies Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia added 17 and 13 points, respectively.
Their numbers were still not enough to get Globalport into the win column after six games.
The Beermen, which also got 16 points from swingman Marcio Lassiter, had 29 assists and just nine turnovers while the Batang Pier had more errors (17) than assists (15).