In a thrilling Easter Sunday clash at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, the Beermen demonstrated their championship pedigree, emerging victorious with a commanding 116-102 win over their opponents.
Video from YouTube Channel of One Sports
Led by the stellar performance of CJ Perez, who notched a season-high 32 points along with five assists and four rebounds, the Beermen displayed their offensive prowess and defensive resilience throughout the game. Perez's exceptional contribution played a pivotal role in securing San Miguel's third consecutive win of the season, reaffirming their status as defending champions of the Philippine Cup.
San Miguel's victory was underscored by a balanced scoring effort, with Jericho Cruz, Terrence Romeo, June Mar Fajardo, and Don Trollano all making significant contributions on the court. Cruz, in particular, provided a spark off the bench with 17 points, while Romeo and Trollano also delivered double-digit scores, further bolstering the Beermen's offensive arsenal.
Reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo showcased his dominance in the paint, tallying 13 points and 12 rebounds to complement San Miguel's formidable lineup.
Despite a valiant effort from the Phoenix Fuel Masters, spearheaded by Jayjay Alejandro and Matthew Daves, who both scored 13 points each, the team fell short in the face of San Miguel's relentless attack. Phoenix's struggles in the second half proved costly as they succumbed to their second consecutive loss in the season, dropping to a 1-3 record in the team standings.
Looking ahead, San Miguel Beermen will face a formidable challenge against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in their next matchup on Friday, April 5, at 7:30 PM, at the Big Dome. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Fuel Masters will seek redemption as they take on the Converge FiberXers on April 12, at 4:30 PM, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
As the competition heats up in the PBA Philippine Cup, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and intense battles on the hardwood as teams vie for supremacy in the league. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments as the season progresses.
WATCH: Phoenix vs. San Miguel Game Highlights
The Scores:
San Miguel 116 – Perez 32, Cruz 17, Romeo 16, Trollano 10, Tautuaa 8, Lassiter 6, Brondial 6, manuel 4, Enciso 3, Teng 1, Ross 0.
Phoenix 102 – Alejandro 13, Daves 13, Mocon 12, Perkins 11, Salado 10, Rivero 10, Tuffin 9, Muyang 6, Jazul 5, Verano 5, Manganti 4, Camaco 2, Lalata 2, Garcia 0.