Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
There’s no such thing as a championship hangover for a team that throughout its history, has repeatedly won it all.
San Miguel wasted no time flexing its might and essayed a rousing 109-97 debut over Rain or Shine to begin its quest for back-to-back title in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, March 15.
The Beermen hardly looked like a team that was coming off a sweet vacation after reigning supreme in the Commissioner’s Cup, playing like a well-oiled machine en route to the dominant first win that also sent the Elasto Painters reeling to their fourth straight defeat.
Marcio Lassiter set the tone for the romp, unloading 12 of his 17 points in the first half before the rest of the mighty Beermen followed suit and helped establish a huge advantage that went to as high as 20 points.
Lassiter was on target from deep with five triples while it was Jericho Cruz who led the way in scoring with 20 points. Don Trollano chipped in 16 points and nine rebounds while June Mar Fajardo posted a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Terrence Romeo announced his return from injury with 13 points and six assists.
SMB held a close 24-22 lead at the end of the opening frame but went on to shatter the floodgates in the middle quarters, pouring in 32 and 35 points in the second and third quarters, respectively.
That allowed the team to take a commanding 93-71 lead heading into the final frame.
While Rain or Shine made some runs and cut the lead down to just 11 midway through the fourth period, all that head coach Jorge Gallent needed was to field Fajardo back and then the Beermen suddenly regained footing with the 107-87 lead.
The Elasto Painters got a career night from Santi Santillan, who posted his personal best in scoring and rebounding with his 31-point and 14-rebound output. — Reynald I. Magallon
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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
