San Miguel import Cam Clark. -PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–San Miguel Beer foiled NLEX’s twice-to-beat aspirations even without June Mar Fajardo and took a 120-106 victory in a physical PBA Governors’ Cup encounter on Wednesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Import Cam Clark dominated with a career-high 45 points while grabbing 17 rebounds against his former team as the Beermen improved to 8-2 in their first game since Fajardo was diagnosed with an MCL sprain.
Coach Jorge Gallent said Fajardo, who got hurt during the East Asia Super League Champions Week, will miss at least six weeks.
“This game showed us that we can win without the big boy,” said Gallent.
CJ Perez added 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals for the Beermen, who were already assured of a twice-to-beat going into the contest.
NLEX missed out on the bonus after finishing with a 7-4 record, tied for fourth with Meralco and Magnolia.
Meralco gained the last quarters incentive due to a superior quotient while Magnolia and NLEX will be seeded fifth and sixth, respectively, in the quarters which starts Sunday.
Import Wayne Selden scored 32 while rookie Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser had a season-high 29 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks for the Road Warriors.
WATCH: San Miguel Beer and NLEX had to be separated after a testy first half between both teams in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
The Beermen hold a 61-47 lead over the Road Warriors at the break. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/D6krLltU3q
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 15, 2023
The scores
SAN MIGUEL 120 — Clark 45, Perez 23, Cruz 16, Bulanadi 14, Enciso 8, Lassiter 8, Manuel 4, Tautuaa 2, Ross 0, Romeo 0, Brondial 0.
NLEX 106 — Selden Jr. 32, Ganuelas-Rosser 29, Trollano 14, Anthony 8, Semerad 6, Miranda 5, Rosales 5, Alas 5, Nieto 2.
Quarters: 28-19, 61-47, 88-75, 120-106.