PBA: San Miguel zooms to 5-0 start after turning back Meralco
San Miguel import Cam Clark in the PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–San Miguel Beer stretched its unblemished start to five games on Thursday after holding off pesky Meralco, 104-96, on Thursday in the PBA Governors’ Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Import Cam Clark and CJ Perez made crucial baskets late in the fourth quarter as the Beermen retained their hold on top spot that kept new coach Jorge Gallent unbeaten since his appointment before the start of the conference.
“This 5-0 start is a credit to all the players,” said Gallent. “They’re really doing a good job of listening and learning of the offensive and defensive schemes of the team.”
Clark finished with 28 points, 12 rebounds and five assists while Perez had 19 points, five rebounds and two steals for San Miguel.
June Mar Fajardo had a quiet 11-point showing but did add 14 rebounds and four blocks even as Jericho Cruz came off the bench to score 13.
Chris Newsome and import KJ McDaniels scored 18 points apiece but the Bolts dropped to 3-2 despite making a comeback from 13 down.
Meralco tied things up in the third, but couldn’t sustain its momentum with Clark leading the way.
A pair of jump shots by Clark in the fourth kept Meralco at bay before Perez’s transition layup plus a foul and a bonus free throw made it 90-81 with 2:30 left in the last period.
The scores:
SAN MIGUEL 94 — Clark 28, Perez 19, Cruz 13, Fajardo 11, Enciso 8, Lassiter 7, Bulanadi 6, Ross 2, Tautuaa 0, Brondial 0.
MERALCO 86 — McDaniels 18, Newsome 18, Maliksi 16, Banchero 7, Black 5, Pasaol 5, Hodge 4, Caram 3, Quinto 3, Almazan 3, Jose 2, Pascual 2.
Quarters: 18-14, 44-33, 69-63, 94-86.
