San Miguel stays on winning track with win over Meralco

MANILA, Philippines – The San Miguel Beermen ended their 2016 with another victory, this time defeating the Meralco Bolts in impressive fashion, 101-86, on Wednesday, December 28, at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.

The victory improved the record of San Miguel, the defending Philippine Cup champion, to 5-1, while Meralco lost its third straight and dropped to 2-4 as the basketball league enters its break. Action will resume on Friday, January 6.

Marcio Lassiter led San Miguel with 21 points and 5 rebounds, while Alex Cabagnot scored 20 points in 21 minutes before leaving the game in the third period with a nose issue.

June Mar Fajardo had 11 points and 14 rebounds to aid the Beermen, while Chris Ross pitched in with 18 points, 5 assists, and 6 steals.

Meralco was led by the 16 points of reigning Rookie of the Year Chris Newsome. Joseph Yeo and Baser Amer pitched in 12 points apiece off the bench.

San Miguel shot 45% from the field and nailed 11-of-32 from deep. Meralco also committed 19 turnovers, leading to 23 Beermen points. 

Thanks to hot shooting, including 6 treys in the first period, San Miguel led 32-13 after 12 minutes of play and extended its lead up to 31.

The Bolts didn’t get within striking distance as the Beermen cruised to the victory. 

Scores:

San Miguel (101): Lassiter 21, Cabagnot 20, Ross 18, Fajardo 11, Tubid 10, Santos 9, De Ocampo 4, Agovida 3, Garcia 2, Heruela 2, Espinas 1

Meralco (86): Newsome 16, Yeo 12, Amer 12, Nabong 9, Hodge 7, Hugnatan 6, Uyloan 6, Caram 6, Bono 6, Daquioag 2, Faundo 2, Al-Hussaini 2, Grey 0

Quarter scores: 32-13, 58-27, 79-63, 101-86 – Rappler.com