San Miguel draws first blood against Alaska as Standhardinger returns | Inquirer Sports

San Miguel draws first blood against Alaska as Standhardinger returns

By: - Reporter / @BLozadaINQ
/ 08:37 PM July 14, 2018

San Miguel seems to still have Alaska’s number in the playoffs coming away with a 92-79 victory in Game 1 of the best-of-five semifinals of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Beermen are 3-0 in the finals against the Aces for the past three years and are two wins away from the finals.

Article continues after this advertisement

Rookie Christian Standhardinger also returned from his leg injury and had an immediate impact to the tune of nine points in the first half.

FEATURED STORIES

San Miguel first tried to break away in the second quarter, going on a 9-0 run Standhardinger capped off with a jumper for a 34-24 lead at the 9:48 mark.

That early scoring spurt was all the Beermen needed to hold off the Aces throughout the rest of the game.

Article continues after this advertisement

“This is the most important game, the first game, because as much as possible we want to win this to dictate some of the tempo,” said Beermen head coach Leo Austria.

Article continues after this advertisement

“But I know Alaska will do more because I think that’s not their game so we’re expecting more from them.”

Article continues after this advertisement

San Miguel pushed the envelope further at the start of the third quarter with Marcio Lassiter giving the Beermen a 61-42 advantage to end a 9-1 run.

June Mar Fajardo led the Beermen with 17 points and nine rebounds while five of his teammates scored at least 10 points.

Article continues after this advertisement

Alex Cabagnot had 15 points while Renaldo Balkman finished with a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double.

Marcio Lassiter and Arwind Santos had 12 points apiece for San Miguel while substitute big man Kelly Nabong had 11.

Diamon Simpson carried Alaska with 31 points and 24 rebounds while Vic Manuel finished with 16 points, the first time after 11 games he failed to score at least 20.
.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Alaska Aces, PBA Commissioner's Cup, San Miguel Beermen, Sports

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.