San Miguel rains down on Alaska’s 5-game streak

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The pre-game broadcast showed a graphic that read: “Asan si Arwind Santos? (Where is Arwind Santos?)”

A few seconds after the opening tip, the veteran forward positioned himself in the corner, launched and buried a triple to open the scoring. Little did anybody realize, that would only be the first of a 3-point barrage.

Treys rained down hard from the hot hands of the San Miguel Beermen as they routed the Alaska Aces, 116-96 , in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday, March 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen sizzled for 17 triples and effectively halted the Aces’ 5-game winning run in their first meeting since their historic Philippine Cup finals showdown last month.

Santos went on to make a total of 5 shots from downtown for his 18 points. He was not alone as import Tyler Wilkerson sank 4 long bombs on his way to 32 points plus 14 rebounds.

Alex Cabagnot torched any hope of an Alaska comeback, scoring 16 of his 22 points in the final frame. He went 5-of-8 from long range with 6 assists, while last conference’s Finals MVP Chris Ross had an impressive stat-line of 14 points, 6 rebounds and 12 assists.

Marcio Lassiter contributed 3 treys for 14 markers on top of 6 boards and 3 dimes, while Gabby Espinas added 10 points and 9 rebounds.

“We weren’t expecting to play like this,” admitted San Miguel coach Leo Austria. “I was a little bit worried at the start of the game because we have a lot of injuries. June Mar (Fajardo) still cannot play and Ryan Araña, (Ronald) Tubid, and (Brian) Heruela are also injured.”

“But I’m happy to see them sacrifice a lot. At the start of the game Chris Ross told me, ‘Don’t worry coach, I can play for 48 minutes because our next game will be on the 27th.’ Which means there will be enough time to recover if he feels anything.”

“With that kind of shooting, it’s hard to guard them,” he added.

The Beermen did not show any signs of trouble despite missing big man June Mar Fajardo, whose right knee is swelling but still suited up on the bench “to inspire the team.”

Austria said the swelling is subsiding and he hopes Fajardo can suit up in the following game against the Star Hotshots on March 27.

Shane Edwards posted 15 points, 12 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocks for Alaska, which failed to avenge the painful heartbreak of being the first team in history to lose a best-of-7 series despite a 3-0 edge.

Chris Exciminiano also had 15 points, while Vic Manuel had 13 markers and 9 boards. Calvin Abueva finished with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, as Chris Banchero likewise had 12 markers to go with 6 dimes and 3 thefts. Sonny Thoss added 11 points.

San Miguel, which for the first time defeated Alaska in an elimination round match-up since last season, also spoiled coach Alex Compton’s birthday as they rose to 4-2, while the Aces dropped to 5-2.

Scores:

San Miguel (116): Wilkerson 32, Cabagnot 22, Santos 18, Lassiter 14, Ross 14, Espinas 10, Reyes 6, Lutz 0, Mabulac 0, Omolon 0, Semerad 0.

Alaska (96): Edwards 15, Exciminiano 15, Manuel 13, Abueva 12, Banchero 12, Thoss 11, Dela Rosa 8, Jazul 6, Baguio 2, Hontiveros 2, Dela Cruz 0, Menk 0.

Quarter scores: 25-18, 55-42, 80-66, 116-96.

 – Rappler.com