The Beermen’s starting unit scored all but nine of their points in an authoritative 104-96 decision of Phoenix Petroleum at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night as coach Leo Austria made it obvious that he will be going with his old guns that have brought the franchise much success.
June Mar Fajardo, the reigning four-time MVP, scored 23 points, had 16 rebounds and four blocks, and Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter combined for another 22 points as the Beermen proved too much to handle for the smaller Fuel Masters.
“The first win is really hard (to get), especially because everyone is preparing very hard for us,” Austria said, acknowledging that San Miguel will be playing with the proverbial bull’s eye in its back this conference, if not the entire 43rd season.
No team in the league’s history has ever won the Philippine Cup four straight years.
“This win gives us a lot of confidence and I would like to believe the pre-season hype (on us),” Austria said. “But we have to work hard for that.”
Jeff Chan paced the Fuel Masters with 18 and new coach Louie Alas got five others in twin digits.