SAN Miguel Beer started its redemption drive on a winning note, whipping NLEX, 98-89, in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium Saturday.
The Beermen jumped off the opening gate and went coast-to-coast in a triumphant show after a forgettable showing in the recent Commissioner's Cup.
CJ Perez sizzled with 28 points, Juami Tiongson fired 17 markers with three treys while June Mar Fajardo came through with a double-double with 13 points and 11 boards as the Beermen got to a triumphant debut in the conference where they were dethroned by the Meralco Bolts last year.
Don Trollano was a fourth SMB player finishing in double figures with 12 as they stamped their class on the Road Warriors.
Perez and company opened with a 12-0 run and set the pace all through the final buzzer.
Mike Miranda and Robert Bolick, striking in the second half, led NLEX with 15 and 14 points, respectively.
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Bolick, an explosive scorer, played as a falicitator in the first half, limiting himself to a single field goal attempt in the first 24 minutes of play.
It's to no avail with the Beermen seizing control early and taking the half at 55-43 with Perez showing the way with 15 markers.
The Beermen kept a double-digit spread through the third quarter at 75-65, and made a good job in staying in control through the fourth.
Perez had had 22 while Juami Tiongson had 14 after the firsf 36 minutes of play.(SB)
The scores:
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San Miguel 98 - Perez 28, Tiongson 17, Fajardo 13, Trollano 12, Lassiter 8, Cahilig 6, Tautuaa 6, Teng 6, Brondial 2, Rosales 0, Ross 0.
NLEX 89 - Miranda 15, Bolick 12, Mocon 11, Torres 11, Bahio 10, Ramirez 8, Alas 8, Herndon 7, Semerad 3, Valdez 2, Nieto 2.
Quarterscores: 28-20, 55-43, 75-65, 98-89
