Santos flashes MVP form in San Miguel’s rout of Globalport

MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel Beer were tested for most of the match but broke away late to blow Globalport, 109-92 in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Monday, March 24 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Scoring 18 points on 50% shooting and hauling 10 rebounds, Arwind Santos flashed his MVP form, hitting key baskets all throughout the match to keep Globalport away from their first win in the conference.

Chris Ross filled the stat sheets as well with a solid game, finishing with 12 points, 4 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2 steals.

Six players finished in double digits for the 5-1 Beermen, who are just behind undisputed teams Talk ‘N Text (6-0) and San Mig Coffee (3-0).

The Batang Pier, in contrast, fell to 0-6, their worst start in franchise history.

“I’m proud of the guys, they’re playing through (injury). (Sol Mercardo’s) got it, (June Mar Fajardo’s) got it,” said SMB coaching consultant Todd Purves.

Beermen import Kevin Jones went roaring in the first half, scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds as San Miguel built double-digit spreads before holding a 47-42 halftime edge.

But the hard-fighting Globalport crew relied on their rookies RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo as they started the third period with an 8-2 run to grab the 50-49 advantage. 

The backcourt duo exchanged blows with SMB’s June Mar Fajardo, who carried his squad with baskets underneath.

But coach Biboy Ravanes’ wards were able to close the third quarter strong, turning a small 64-62 margin into a 74-64 bubble with baskets from Sol Mercado, Arwind Santos, Kevin Jones, and Marcio Lassiter.

Things turned even worse for the Batang Pier as they started the final period flat, allowing San Miguel to rally, 82-66.

Garcia though, was determined enough to hand coach Pido Jarencio his first win, sinking two long range bombs to cut the deficit to just 82-89 under the last six minutes.

But those plans went astray as Arwind Santos and Marcio Lassiter’s triples over the next minutes once again broke the game wide-open at 106-90. 

Scores: 

San Miguel – Jones 30, Santos 18, Lassiter 16, Ross 12, Fajardo 11, Mercado 10, Lutz 5, Duncil 1, Marata 0, Tubid 0, Taha 0, Hubalde 0. 

Globalport – Washington 22, Brock 20, Garcia 17, Romeo 13, Matias 8, Cabagnot 7, Nabong 3, Custodio 2, Hayes 0, Salva 0, Salvador 0, Macapagal 0. 

Quarter scores: 26-20, 47-42, 74-64, 109-92

– Rappler.com