Beermen off to fiery start

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

ANTIPOLO—Showing no signs of a championship hangover, San Miguel Beer put its Grand Slam bid into high gear right in its first game in the PBA Governors’ Cup by routing Blackwater, 118-93, on Saturday at Ynares Center.

The result made coach Leo Austria say something he had never said before.

“I think this is our best start (coming off a championship),” a satisfied Austria said after his Beermen held the short-handed Elite to 36 first-half points. “I’m so proud of my players (because) despite the long break, they were very sharp.”

Wendell McKines scored 19 points and had 12 rebounds and five assists while four locals also finished in twin digits. McKines, Marcio Lassiter and June Mar Fajardo combined for 32 points in the first half and almost outscored Blackwater, which fell to its third straight loss.

Overshadowed by the Beermen’s explosive debut was Meralco’s 89-73 ripping of Rain or Shine in the second game that gave the Bolts a piece of the early lead with NLEX.

Allen Durham scattered 23 points, had as many rebounds and missed a triple double by just three assists. Jared Dillinger backed him up with 19 points built around four triples.

Meanwhile, the Road Warriors collide with Phoenix Petroleum at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday as action returns to Smart Araneta Coliseum.

NLEX is coming off a win over the Elasto Painters, who are now at 1-2. Yeng Guiao and his rejuvenated Road Warriors are shooting to extend a five-game winning streak dating back to their last two games in the Commissioner’s Cup.