Games Today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:15 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs Kia
7 p.m. – Barako Bull vs Ginebra
San Miguel Beer import Arizona Reid recorded his first career triple-double to help the Beermen clinch a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinal playoffs by beating expansion team Blackwater, 115-83, in the PBA Governors’ Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Reid exploded for 39 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and issued 12 assists in more than 38 minutes of action.
A former two-time Best Import winner when he was still with Rain or Shine, Reid shot 12-of-23 from the field, including 4-of-9 from three-point range, and 11-of-13 from the free throw line.
Reigning league MVP June Mar Fajardo contributed 20 points, Marcio Lassiter finished with 17 points as he went 5-of-7 from the rainbow area, and Ronald Tubid had 13 points off the bench.
The victory gave San Miguel solo lead with its 8-2 record while the eight-game winning streak was the longest this conference for a team that started with a 0-2 record that led to criticism from its fans.
“I think marami nagsasabi we don’t need this win because at 7-2 we’re already in the top four,” said San Miguel mentor Leo Austria.
“But the players want to play, andun yung momentum. There’s no need for these players to be motivated, lalo na si AZ (Reid). Ayaw pa nga mag-palabas nung huli e maski panalo na,” added Austria.
SMB – the Philippine Cup champion – is returning to the playoffs after failing to advance the crucial round in the previous Commissioner’s Cup, with Reid playing as replacement import.
Scores
SAN MIGUEL 115 – Reid 39, Fajardo 20, Lassiter 17, Tubid 13, Santos 9, Lutz 6, Reyes 5, Ross 2, Fortuna 2, Omolon 2, Cabagnot 0, Espinas 0, Semerad 0.
BLACKWATER 83 – Cousin 25, Heruela 15, Cervantes 11, Reyes 7, Faundo 6, Erram 6, Gamalinda 4, Bulawan 3, Celiz 2, Ballesteros 2, Laure 2, Timberlake 0, Golla 0, Acuna 0, Salvacion 0.
Quarters: 32-14, 59-42, 80-67, 115-83.
Second Game:
STAR 105 – Blakely 26, Devance 19, Melton 16, Simon 15, Mallari 11, Pingris 8, Barroca 5, Yap 5.
TALK ’N TEXT 93 – De Ocampo 21, Fonacier 20, Pettigrew 18, Castro 17, Daghles 7, Williams 4, Washington 2, Rosser 2, Seigle 2, Carey 0, Reyes Ryan 0.
Quarters: 20-25, 45-44, 73-65, 105-93.