San Miguel takes down Rain or Shine for first win of conference

MANILA, Philippines – Behind a strong performance from their import Arizona Reid, the San Miguel Beermen finally garnered their first win of the PBA Governors’ Cup by beating the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 104-91, on Tuesday, May 12, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Reid finished with a game-high 36 points, doing most of his damage in the third quarter where the Beermen pulled away from the Elasto Painters. The import also had 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 0 turnovers. 

(READ: Romeo, Pringle deliver late as GlobalPort defeats Hotshots)

June Mar Fajardo was San Miguel’s top-scoring local, finishing with 22 points in addition to 18 rebounds and 3 blocks. 

“This game really saved some morale nang mga player namin (of our players),” Beermen head coach Leo Austria said after the contest. 

In their first game of the conference, Rain or Shine looked tired and weary, as if still feeling the effects of their gruelling 7-game Finals against the Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters in the Commissioner’s Cup.

After the Elasto Painters trimmed San Miguel’s lead to two, 50-48, with 7:43 left in the third quarter, the Beermen went on a 22-5 run spearheaded by inside baskets from Reid and constant visits to the foul line for the Beermen due to Rain or Shine being in the penalty. 

The Elasto Painters bounced back in the fourth period and at one point were down just six following free throws by Gabe Norwood, but a 3-pointer and a 4-point play by Ronald Tubid sealed the win for his club late. 

Import Wendell McKines had 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Elasto Painters, while Paul Lee put up 17 points and 6 boards.

The biggest detriment for the Elasto Painters was their defense, which allowed San Miguel to shoot 44% from the floor and couldn’t contain Reid, who went 15-of-31 from the floor. 

“That is his usual game because he has the energy, unlike in the first two games, talagang nag rere-klamo siya (he was really complaining),” said Austria, who mentioned that his import is still fighting diarrhoea. 

“He’s our import and most of the time, I want the ball to be in his hands,” Austria later said. 

The Elasto Painters were out-scored in the paint by the Beermen, 48-34, and allowed their opponents 11 fast break points while they converted just 2. 

San Miguel (1-2) will be back in action on Sunday, May 17, when they take on the GlobalPort Batang Pier (3-0). Rain or Shine (0-1) has Alaska (2-0) next on Friday, May 15. 

Scores:

SAN MIGUEL (104): Reid 36, Fajardo 22, Cabagnot 9, Lassiter 9, Tubid 8, Santos 6, Lutz 4, Ross 4, Espinas 4, Reyes 2, Omolon 0.

RAIN OR SHINE (91): McKines 19, Lee 17, Norwood 12, Quinahan 12, Cruz Jericho 11, Almazan 8, Uyloan 7, Ibanes 3, Belga 2, Teng 0, Arana 0, Cruz Jervy 0. 

Quarter Scoring: 25-20, 43-42, 75-59, 104-91

– Rappler.com