San Miguel clobbers Alaska by 30 points in PBA finals opener

June Mar Fajardo PHOTOS BY TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.net

Riding the momentum from its semifinals win over Rain or Shine, San Miguel opened the 2015 PBA Governors’ Finals with an overwhelming 108-78 win over Alaska for a 1-0 lead in their best-of-seven series Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Beermen went to the races early with Alex Cabagnot and Chris Lutz helping San Miguel take an early 19-point lead, 31-12 in the first quarter.
San Miguel went on cruise control after as AZ Reid, June Mar Fajardo, and Arwind Santos all chipped in to keep Alaska at a safe distance up until the end.

“I expected a tough game, but what happened was we’re the ones which had more energy than them,” said coach Leo Austria. “I’m happy to see the players that despite our hectic schedule, they knew how to manage it.”

Reid led the all-out attack for San Miguel with 32 points, seven assists, and six rebounds, while Fajardo was dominant in the game with a huge double-double of 18 markers, and 17 boards.

Santos added a near double-double effort with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Cabagnot and Lutz finished with 15 and 12 points, respectively.

Though the series opener ended in a rout, Austria insisted that this is still a close matchup between the two teams.

“Whether it’s a blowout or win by just one point, it’s just one game. I’m expecting them to bounce back hard because Game 2 is pivotal. But knowing coach Alex (Compton), he’s a very good motivator. They’re a very cohesive and very disciplined unit and they have the time to recover. I just want my guys to match their energy,” he said.

Romeo Travis led Alaska with 14 points, but was stymied early and limited to just two in the first half. He also had six rebounds and five assists in the defeat.

Game 2 is on Sunday, 5 p.m. at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Scores:

SAN MIGUEL 108 – Reid 32, Fajardo 18, Cabagnot 15, Santos 15, Lutz 12, Lassiter 9, Ross 2, Fortuna 2, Semerad 2, Tubid 1, Reyes 0, Espinas 0.
ALASKA 78 – Travis 14, Thoss 12, Abueva 11, Hontiveros 11, Manuel 8, Casio 5, Banchero 4, Baguio 4, Menk 3, Dela Rosa 2, Exciminiano 2, Jazul 2.

Quarters: 35-22, 54-41, 77-65, 108-78.

AZ Reid