Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
June Mar Fajardo went scoreless for the first time in four years but San Miguel Beer hardly needed him against an overmatched Mahindra side Wednesday night.
The Beermen steamrolled the Floodbuster, 109-80, to remain unbeaten in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Cuneta Astrodome.
“Prior to this game, we looked at Mahindra’s close losses to TNT, Alaska and Rain or Shine and it was clear that we cannot take this team for granted,” said SMB head coach Leo Austria. “In the past, we were always beaten by Mahindra and I was surprised the players played their game and they also enjoyed the game without losing their focus.”
“We needed to rest June Mar because of wear and tear and we had the opportunity to rest him tonight. He also wasn’t feeling well earlier and we opted to rest him. A lot of players stepped up.”
The game appeared over early with the way San Miguel dominated Mahindra in the first 12 minutes for a 32-16 lead.
The gap widened to 24 by halftime and the game was beyond reach after three quarters with Mahindra facing a 27-point hole.
Charles Rhodes had 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the field and 18 rebounds through three quarters while Alex Cabagnot, who also sat out the final frame, led all scorers with 26 points that went with eight rebounds and four assists in just 25 minutes of play.
Fajardo logged just eight minutes and 58 seconds and went 0-of-4 from the field with zero rebounds.
Keith Wright posted 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Floodbuster, who dropped their fourth straight game and sixth of their first seven.
Manny Pacquiao, who is listed as Mahindra’s coach, showed up for the first time this season and sat on the team bench.