By Jonas Terrado
ANTIPOLO CITY — Defending champion San Miguel Beer cruised past Meralco, 105-93, to pick up its second straight win after losing to Columbian Dyip in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center here.
Marcio Lassiter erupted for 25 points marked by five three-pointers while June Mar Fajardo posted 20 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks as the Beermen encountered little trouble to forge a three-way tie for second with the Columbian Dyip and NorthPort Batang Pier at 2-1.
Christian Standhardinger added 14 points and seven rebounds, Arwind Santos had 12 points and 10 rebounds while Paul Zamar provided spark off the bench for 11 points to help SMB’s cause.
The Beermen won despite missing Terrence Romeo for the second consecutive game due to an ankle injury suffered in their 124-118 loss to the Dyip last Jan. 18 at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Coach Leo Austria has ruled out Romeo’s return in Sunday’s match against his former team TNT KaTropa at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
John Pinto scored 13 points but the Bolts struggled throughout the contest to fall 1-2 this conference, sharing eighth and ninth with the idle KaTropa.
The scores:
San Miguel 105 – Lassiter 25, Fajardo 20, Standhardinger 14, Santos 12, Tubid 11, Zamar 11, Ross 6, Pessumal 6, Nabong 0.
Meralco 93 – Pinto 13, De Ocampo 12, Amer 11, Hugnatan 8, Quinto 7, Hodge 6, Caram 6, Canaleta 6, Faundo 5, Dillinger 5, Newsome 4, Salva 3, Jackson 3, Tolomia 2, Jamito 2.
Quarters: 26-27, 55-42, 85-66, 105-93.
