San Miguel’s Arwind Santos. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion San Miguel Beer had too much firepower as it outclassed NorthPort, 120-99, to stay in top four contention in the PBA Philippine Cup Tuesday night at AUF Sports Arena & Cultural Center in Angeles Pampanga.
The Beermen had three players hitting over 20 points led by Arwind Santos, who scored 23 and grabbed 11 rebounds.
San Miguel took control late in the second quarter after going on a 10-0 run to lead by 10 at the half.
The Beermen kept their feet on the gas pedal in the second half and unleashed a 43-point third quarter as their lead swelled to 100-76 heading into the final period.
Mo Tautuaa and Marcio Lassiter added 21 points apiece for San Miguel, which remained in the thick of things for a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
Von Pessumal and Alex Cabagnot also finished in double digits for SMB with 15 and 11 points, respectively.
Ex-Beermen Kelly Nabong led all scorers with 29 points that went with 10 rebounds. The Batang Pier stayed at the bottom of the standings at 1-9.