By REYNALD MAGALLON
Cameron Clark and CJ Perez came through with crucial baskets down the stretch as San Miguel Beer fended off Meralco, 94-86, in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, Feb. 9
Known as a very potent offensive team, averaging 110 points in their first four wins, the Beermen proved they can also come out on top in a grindout defensive duel to seize solo lead with an immaculate 5-0 record.
Clark and Perez found some chinks to the the Bolts’ tough defensive stands which they took turns in exploiting especially during the end game when they connived in a 5-0 spurt which proved to be the dagger to the heart of Meralco.
The SMB import finished with game-high 28 points – none bigger than the pull up jumper he nailed that gave the Beermen a six-point cushion, 87-81, before Perez completed an and-1 play in transition to put on the finishing touches and also wound up with 19 points.
Clark also hauled down 12 rebounds and dished out five assists while June Mar Fajardo despite struggling offensively, finished with a double-double of 11 points and 16 rebounds.
With the win, SMB head coach Jorge Gallent has been undefeated since he formally took the coaching reins but the veteran mentor quickly deflected the credit to the efforts of the players.
“It’s just all of the players, the players just want to play hard and play together, offensively and defensively. This 5-0 the credit goes all to the players. They are really doing a good job learning and listening to the defensive and offensive schemes of the team,” said Gallent.
SMB actually built on a 13-point lead in the first half and was practically in full control of the ball game since then. Meralco though showed some semblance of fight especially during the third quarter where it managed to tie the game at 53-all.
The run, however was immediately cut short after KJ McDaniel picked up his fourth foul allowing the Beermen to regain their footing and unleashed a 7-0 counter attack that restored order.
Meantime, Jordan Williams outplayed his namesake and debuting Blackwater import Troy Williams as Terrafirma picked up its second win with a 119-106 victory.
The two Williams engaged in a fiery shootout with the one wearing the Dyip jersey coming out on top with 57 points including 11 of Terrafirma’s last 15 points to lift his team to a 2-2 record in the standings.
Not letting to be simply outdone is his Bossing counterpart in Troy who proved to be a one-man wrecking crew in his first game with Blackwater, finishing with 55 points and 15 rebounds.
Jordan, though, also posted 11 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks to complete a splendid night while Juami Tiongson provided ample support with 27 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
Eric Camson also came through with big plays in the fourth quarter when Terrafirma had to fend off a furious Blackwater run to finish with 17 points – nine of which came in the payoff period.
The scores:
First Game
TERRAFIRMA 119 – J. Williams 57, Tiongson 27, Camson 17, Gomez de Liano 5, Cabagnot 5, Cahilig 3, Daquioag 2, Calvo 2, Gabayni 1, Alolino 0, Ramos 0.
BLACKWATER 106 – T.Williams 55, Casio 14, Ilagan 11, Ular 10, Banal 5, Torralba 5, Rosario 2, Sena 2, Hill 2, McCarthy 0, Amer 0, DiGregorio 0, Taha 0.
Quarters: 30-14, 53-46, 80-72, 119-106.
Second Game
SAN MIGUEL 94 – Clark 28, Perez 19, Cruz 13, Fajardo 11, Enciso 8, Lassiter 7, Bulanadi 6, Ross 2, Tautuaa 0, Brondial 0.
MERALCO 86 – McDaniels 18, Newsome 18, Maliksi 16, Banchero 7, Black 5, Pasaol 5, Hodge 4, Caram 3, Quinto 3, Almazan 3, Jose 2, Pascual 2.
Quarters: 18-14, 44-33, 69-63, 94-86.
