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San Miguel Beer sustained its resurgence after turning back a hard-fighting NLEX side, 125-114, in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Saturday night at Calasiao Sports Complex in Pangasinan.
June Mar Fajardo, Renaldo Balkman and Marcio Lassiter did the heavy lifting as they combined for 81 points for the Beermen.
Fajardo, the reigning four-time MVP, posted 30 points and 13 rebounds, Balkman collected 25 points, 16 rebounds, six assists and four steals while Lassiter fired 26 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the 3-point line.
Alex Cabagnot added 17 points, including back-to-back baskets to slam the door shut on the Road Warriors.
The Beermen, who started the conference at 0-3, has now won five of its last six games and climbed to fifth place in the standings.
Despite playing minus its two best locals in Kiefer Ravena and Kevin Alas, NLEX (2-8) made it tough for San Miguel.
Arnett Moultrie kept the Road Warriors in the fight, scoring 21 in the first half to finish with 43 points on 16-of-27 shooting from the field. He also had 14 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
Kelly Nabong played under 13 minutes and scored two points in his debut for the Beermen, who acquired the rugged forward in a trade with GlobalPort for Gabby Espinas and a 2020 second round pick two days ago.