San Miguel notches first PH Cup win with a team effort over NLEX
- Jul 27, 2021
- BASKETBALL
- Kevin Estrada
San Miguel barged into the win column for the first time in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Friday evening at the Ynares Sports Arena, after mauling NLEX with a convincing 110-93 result to wrap up the doubleheaders.
After being at the wrong end of a stinging six-point loss to unbeaten Meralco, Leo Austria’s side never gave the Road Warriors a chance for the entire 48 minutes, blasting them from the opening tip for a comprehensive win that improved their record at 1-1 for the campaign, forcing a four-way jam between sister team Ginebra, Alaska and NorthPort.
The mentor of the league’s winningest franchise was pleased with the outcome despite not having guard Terrence Romeo, who went down hobbling in their defeat to the Bolts which was their third straight dating to last year when they were dethroned in the bubble at the quarterfinal hurdle.
Hence, it’s imperative for SMB to get back on track as soon as possible, considering the short format of the conference.
“We cannot afford to lose two games in a row,” Austria said.
“Tonight, they played really well. Both in offense and defense.”
CJ Perez showed why San Miguel pursued him in the offseason with the aim in reclaiming the crown, with the former TerraFirma standout led all scorers while coming off the bench with 21 points on 53% shooting, hitting all but one of his five shots from beyond the arc.
Veterans helped the new Beerman and for a good reason, as they have five others in double figures with backcourt partner Alex Cabagnot putting up 17 and forward Mo Tautuaa adding 16 from its second unit like Perez.
Center Junemar Fajardo finally got his comeback trail going after sitting out the entire 2020 season, with the reigning six-time MVP of the league fired a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The return of the Kraken brought a smile to Tautuaa’s face as it was a morale booster in which everyone contributed to SMB’s cause.
