Don’t just count Christian Standhardinger out.
After sitting out much of the conference due to a swollen right knee, Standhardinger made an immediate impact in San Miguel’s 92-79 win over Alaska in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.
Standhardinger finished with nine points, all in the second quarter, while pulling down five boards as the Beermen took a 1-0 lead in the five-game series.
READ: San Miguel draws first blood against Alaska as Standhardinger returns
“I just felt good to be out there again and yes it was exciting,” said Standhardinger Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“It feels good, I’m a hundred percent healthy now and I can go however long they want to play me. They just let me know and I go.”
Standhardinger played for 11 minutes and was vital in the Beermen’s game-clinching run.
READ: Standhardinger: ‘I’m not a rookie’
The Beermen pulled away from the Aces in the second quarter with a 9-0 run that Standhardinger capped off with a jumper for the 34-24 lead.
“I felt like we had the game under control the whole time and we have to play like that again to have good chances to get the victory,” said Standhardinger. “They [the Aces] played hard and I’m happy we were able to play a little harder.”