Second quarter surge sends San Miguel to 4th straight victory

 MANILA, Philippines — The San Miguel Beermen uncorked a huge 35-12 second quarter to hammer the Globalport Batang Pier and coast to a lopsided 95-69 win which stretched their win streak to 4 in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup on Tuesday, November 25 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Arwind Santos led the 19-0 tear and dropped 11 of his total 19 points in the second period while also adding 6 rebounds.

“I think out of our 8 games, this is the best win we had,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria.  

“I didn’t expect that at the start we will be having a big lead. But maybe it’s because of our intention to get into the top two.”

The Beermen erected a 56-29 lead by halftime as a result of that second frame outburst and Globalport, which was shooting poorly at just 29% all game, never had a chance. 

The win proved crucial as it enabled San Miguel to take a share of the top spot with Alaska at 7-1. 

“I told the players that we need to win at least 3 of our last 4 games and this is the first step,” Austria said. 

San Miguel’s last 3 assignments are the Meralco Bolts, the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, and the Blackwater Elite. 

Austria admitted his team is preparing thoroughly for the Texters, which is the heaviest of their remaining opponents, but he does not want his team to be complacent. 

“We cannot relax against Meralco because they’re looking for a good slot in the quarterfinals.” 

After a registering a career-high 36 points, including a rare three-pointer, against KIA, June Mar Fajardo’s hot offense did not cool down as he unleashed a 17-point, 13-rebound-performance on the Batang Pier. 

Ronald Tubid and Chris Ross added 12 points apiece. 

Big man Doug Kramer returned for the Beermen after sitting out 4 games due to an ankle sprain. He wound up with two points and 3 rebounds. 

Meanwhile, Terrence Romeo’s guns were offline against the Beermen as he went 3-of-14 for only 7 points. This after he broke out of his shooting slump and averaged 28 points in his past two games. 

Mark Isip was the highest scorer for the Batang Pier with 12 points along with 12 boards. Team captain Alex Cabagnot finished with just 10 points to go with 7 assists, as his team succumbed to shooting woes despite out-rebounding San Miguel, 56-54, and limiting their miscues to just 8.

Globalport dropped two straight games after winning back-to-back and are now 4-5. 

Scores 

San Miguel (95): Santos 19, Fajardo 17, Ross 12, Tubid 12, Lutz 10, Fortuna 10, Pascual 8, Mercado 3, Maierhofer 2, Kramer 2, Lassiter 0, Omolon 0, Semerad 0, Chua 0.

Globalport (69): Isip 12, Pringle 11, Jensen 11, Cabagnot 10, Romeo 7, Baclao 6, De Ocampo 6, Pinto 2, Caperal 2, Buenafe 2, Semerad 0, Taha 0, Ponferada 0, Nabong 0.

Quarter scores: 21-17, 56-29, 77-52, 95-69.

– Rappler.com