San Miguel Beer hardly missed a beat even after a long two-week break, shaking off a pesky Phoenix side, 116-102, to stay perfect in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Easter Sunday, March 31.
The Beermen unleashed a huge third quarter onslaught that allowed them to build a huge double-digit advantage before fending off repeated efforts from the Fuel Masters in the final frame to pick up their third win in as many games.
CJ Perez didn’t cool down after exploding for 39 points in the 2024 PBA All-Star Game in Bacolod City, this time dropping a season-high 32 points to lead the Beermen’s well-oiled offensive machine.
Jericho Cruz and Terrence Romeo provided ample support off the bench with 17 and 16 points, respectively. June Mar Fajardo also finished with a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds despite being bothered by an earlier hit to his face.
It was also Perez’s triple that sparked a furious 19-4 run in the third quarter as the Beermen created the much-needed separation from a tight 54-52 count and established a 17-point lead.
Meantime, In a game that saw a tight defensive contest, it was Barangay Ginebra’s offense that came alive and saved the day in the second half to pull off an 87-77 victory over bitter rival Magnolia in the Philippine Cup edition of the Manila Clasico.
