Adams returns for San Miguel and drops 49 points on Phoenix to help in win

Jordan Adams and the San Miguel Beermen during a PBA Governors’ Cup game against Phoenix. –PBA IMAGES

Jordan Adams gestured for the crowd to cheer after draining one of his four-point shots to end the third quarter and San Miguel Beer up comfortably over Phoenix.

It was that kind of night for Adams, whose 49 points in the Beermen’s 139-127 win over the Fuel Masters on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum in the PBA Governors’ Cup validated San Miguel’s decision to bring him back after the team admitted the Sheldon Mac experiment didn’t pan out.

“I just had to stay ready,” Adams said. “They told me to stay ready [because you’ll] never know what will happen. And that’s my job as a professional, just to be ready for my name to be called.”

Adams played with something to prove, going 16-of-27 from the field, including four from three and two from the new four-point spot.

Enhanced chances

San Miguel improved to 5-2 and enhanced its chances of gaining one of four quarterfinal seats in Group B, with a marquee meeting with sister team Barangay Ginebra due up this Sunday at the Big Dome.

Ginebra was playing group pacesetter Rain or Shine at press time.

The Beermen are hoping to pile up more wins, with Adams in tow after coming through with a performance that may validate his longer stay as their foreign player moving forward.

“You gotta keep winning, that’s all that matters,” Adams said.

Ineffective replacement

San Miguel went back to Adams after Mac posted 16 points, a rebound, an assist and one steal in Wednesday’s 119-114 victory over NLEX at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

While initially saying that Mac will eventually get to familiarize himself with his teammates, coach Jorge Gallent acknowledged that Adams should once again don his No. 23 jersey for the Beermen.

“We just wanted to try a one, two, three, four guy,” said Gallent, meaning that Mac was someone who can play all of the guard and forward positions. “Unfortunately, it backfired. While Sheldon Mac played well against NLEX, we decided again to bring back Jordan.

“And you know, it was great. What’s nice about Jordan is that he was professional enough to stay with us and to play with us again. I’m happy that Jordan stayed and very happy for his game. It speaks a lot that he’s a great import.”

Phoenix remained winless after seven games, the departure of Javee Mocon, who was dealt to NLEX for Ato Ular and a future second round pick, not helping the Fuel Masters’ cause.

Brandone Francis also shot the lights out with his 48-point showing in the Fuel Masters’ defeat.