The San Miguel Beermen have had an uneven start to their Philippine Cup title defense in PBA Season 50, losing two of their first three games, including to the Phoenix Fuel Masters in their last game. But on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, those early struggles looked firmly in the past as the Beermen flashed their championship form in dismantling the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, who were coming off a win to start off their season.
What Happened?
After a tight first quarter, San Miguel imposed its will in the second to take a 46-34 lead into intermission. Rain or Shine came alive somewhat in the third, pouring in 31 points to cut into the lead slightly, 74-65, going into the fourth. The Beermen, though, would quell any hopes of a Rain or Shine comeback with a stronger finish, outscoring the Elasto Painters 37-28, thanks in large part to a dominant final 12 minutes from June Mar Fajardo.
Who Stood Out?
CJ Perez was brilliant in this game, posting all-around numbers of 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Marcio Lassiter was sensational as well, pouring in 18 markers on 3-for-4 from downtown. Fajardo, of course, was the finisher, firing 14 of his 17 in the fourth while also grabbing a game-high 14 rebounds.
For Rain or Shine, it was Adrian Nocum, Jhonard Clarito, and Gian Mamuyac carrying the fight, with Nocum firing 17 and Mamuyac and Clarito scoring 16 apiece. Nocum and Mamuyac, though, shot a combined 13-for-32, while Clarito went 4-for-6.
3 Keys to the Game
- In-control CJ. Perez was a +36 against Rain or Shine largely because he stayed under control while staying aggressive at the same time. The result was a balanced game where he created scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His four-point buzzer-beater to end the first half also gave San Miguel a double-digit lead going into intermission.
- June Mar the closer. When the Elasto Painters beat the Meralco Bolts in their season opener, they did so by uncorking a 20-9 fourth-quarter comeback to send the game to overtime. Fajardo would have none of that as he finished the game by scoring 14 fourth-quarter points and slamming the door shut.
- Three-point shooting. Downtown sniping is a big part of Rain or Shine’s arsenal, but on Sunday, it just wasn’t there. The Elasto Painters went 9-for-48 from downtown and could not make the long ball in the fourth.
Next Up for the PBA
The PBA will be taking Season 50 to the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday with a doubleheader featuring the Terrafirma Dyip and Converge FiberXers in the first game and the Phoenix Fuel Masters and NLEX Road Warriors in the second game.
Terrafirma vs. Converge | Phoenix vs. NLEX
