Reid’s triple-double propels Beermen to 8th straight win

MANILA, Philippines – Arizona Reid put up a triple-double of 39 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists to power the San Miguel Beermen to a 115-83 lopsided victory over the lowly Blackwater Elite and the team’s 8th win in a row in the 2015 PBA Governors’ Cup on Tuesday, June 16 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I think most people thought we don’t need this game. We’re already in the top 4 anyway, but the players want to play. We wanted to add to the momentum,” said head coach Leo Austria.

“I’m happy to see them playing as a team, as one unit. We’re not after the streak. Every game is very important to us.”

Every one of his players responded and played with a sense of urgency despite already being assured of a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. They clearly no longer want to fall into a pit of disappointment similar to their Commissioner’s Cup campaign after winning this season’s Philippine Cup title.

Reid particularly imposed his will and dropped 17 points in the fourth quarter. He also sizzled from three-point range with 4 for 9 from that distance and went 11-of-13 from the free throw line.

“No need to motivate them because they want to play,” Austria added. “Even AZ, he did not want to be pulled out from the game because he wanted to score.”

Reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo contributed 20 points on 8 for 11 field goals and 5 rebounds, while Marcio Lassiter caught fire from deep with 5-of-7 triples to make up the bulk of his 17 points.

Ronald Tubid came through with 13 points off the bench as San Miguel, which also collectively shot 13 three-pointers compared to just two by the Elite, rose to 8-2.

Blackwater import Marcus Cousin debuted with 25 points and 16 rebounds. Cousin, who replaced Marcus Douthit who had to fulfill duties with the national tea in the Southeast Asian Games, reportedly signed a 20-day contract with th team.

Brian Heruela had 15 points, 5 assists and 7 rebounds as Reil Cervantes chipped in 11 markers and 7 boards off the bench.

The Beermen asserted its dominance from the tip, zooming to a 28-point lead midway in the second period. But the Elite, which won only a single game in 9 outings, showed some signs of life and caught up, 59-42, at the half.

The expansion franchise kept battling until they came to within 10 points, 77-67, early in the payoff period. But Tubid snuffed them out for good with a three-pointer as San Miguel re-established a 29-point edge entering the final 3 minutes and winning by a 32-point margin.

The Beermen next take on second place Alaska Aces on Saturday, June 20 in an out-of-town game in Panabo City, Davao del Norte.scores:

Scores:

San Miguel 115 – Reid 39, Fajardo 20, Lassiter 17, Tubid 13, Santos 9, Lutz 6, Reyes 5, Ross 2, Fortuna 2, Omolon 2, Cabagnot 0, Espinas 0, Semerad 0.

Blackwater 83 – Cousin 25, Heruela 15, Cervantes 11, Reyes 7, Faundo 6, Erram 6, Gamalinda 4, Bulawan 3, Celiz 2, Ballesteros 2, Timberlake 0, Golla 0, Acuna 0, Salvacion 0.

Quarter scores: 32-14; 59-42; 80-67; 115-83.

 – Rappler.com