The Grand Slam-seeking San Miguel Beermen started their Oppo PBA Governors’ Cup campaign with a bang after hammering the Blackwater Elite, 118-93, on Saturday at Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Wendell McKines collected 19 points and 12 rebounds while Marcio Lassiter finished with 19 points and five rebounds as San Miguel, just one title away from sweeping this season’s titles, enjoyed a balanced offensive output from its starters and bench players.
June Mar Fajardo also had 18 points, including a rare triple, to go along with eight boards. Gabby Espinas and Arwind Santos chipped in 16 and 12 markers, respectively.
After leading by 10 points in the first frame, the Beermen never looked back, establishing a commanding 59-36 halftime cushion that they expanded to as big as 38 points.
Blackwater’s third straight loss spoiled the comeback of Mac Belo who played his first PBA game since injuring his knee last April. He scored 13 points and four boards in his return.
Mike DiGregorio led the Elite with 18 points, while JP Erram had a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds. Blackwater however badly missed import Trevis Simpson who didn’t play in the second half.
Simpson, who didn’t score a point in 10 minutes of action, was already hampered by a groin injury he sustained in his previous outing.
The scores:
SAN MIGUEL 118 – McKines 19, Lassiter 19, Fajardo 18, Espinas 16, Santos 12, Cabagnot 8, Heruela 7, McCarthy 5, Rosser 4, Tubid 3, Pessumal 2, Agovida 2, De Ocampo 2, Reyes 1, Ross 0, Semerad 0.
BLACKWATER 93 – Digregorio 18, Sumang 14, Erram 14, Belo 13, Gamalinda 11, Sena 6, Pascual 4, Cervantes 4, Banal 4, Canaleta 3, Cruz 2, Simpson 0, Miranda 0, Aguilar 0.
Quarters: 27-19, 59-36, 94-57, 118-93.
