San Miguel nails first win, overturns Meralco
MANILA, Philippines—The hangover has worn off.
After a preposterous start to the Commisioner’s Cup, the San Miguel Beermen finally got one at the expense of surprise league-leaders Meralco Bolts, 102-86, Saturday evening in Cagayan de Oro.
San Miguel, the defending Philippine Cup champions, pounced on the import-less Bolts who lost Josh Davis in the second quarter.
Article continues after this advertisementDavis found the floor after challenging reigning MVP Junemar Fajardo on a shot attempt.
Tied 30-30 at the second period, San Miguel found the opportunity and went to the break with a 45-40 lead.
New import AZ Reid gave San Miguel a 61-44 lead in the third to cap a 16-4 run that ultimately shellshocked the Bolts.
Article continues after this advertisementSan Miguel now has a 1-5 win-loss record but are still at the cellar, sharing space with Blackwater and NLEX, while Meralco is still at the top sharing the 1st seed with sister team Talk ‘N Text with 5-1 records.
Meralco can still breathe a sigh of relief as Davis joined the team in the second half.
Reid led the Beermen with 29 points while reigning MVP Junemar Fajardo had a ridiculous 21-point, 22-rebound night.
Gary David led Meralco with 23 points.
The scores:
SAN MIGUEL 102–Reid 29, Fajardo 21, Ross 16, Santos 12, Lutz 9, Kramer 8, Cabagnot 5, Lassiter 2, Reyes 0, Tubid 0, Omolon 0, Fortuna 0
MERALCO 86–David 23, Wilson 9, Hodge 9, Hugnatan 9, Anthony 8, Dillinger 6, Cortez 5, Sena 5, Davis 4, Ferriols 4, Reyes 2, Macapagal 2, Ildefonso 0, Atkins 0, Buenafe 0
Quarterscores: 20-25, 45-40, 73-60, 102-86