The San Miguel Beermen hit hard and fast, taking out the Conveerge FiberXers early to author a 111-92 blowout in the PBA Season 47 Philippine Cup on Sunday night at the Ynares Center.
Jericho Cruz, Marcio Lassiter, and six-time league Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo all did damage in San Miguel’s scintillating start that saw them lead by as much as 31 points, 57-26, before settling for a 62-39 halftime lead.
Cruz scored 18 points in the first half while Lassiter and Fajardo added 10 apiece to help San Miguel set the tone for the lopsided affair.
Cruz eventually finished with 22 points, six assists, and three steals, while Mo Tautuaa added 19 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.
Fajardo finished with 18 points, 16 rebounds, four blocks, and three steals while CJ Perez had his first career triple-double with 15 points, 13 boards, and 12 assists. More importantly, San Miguel tied Ginebra for the lead in the standings at 4-1.
Afterward, San Miguel head coach Leo Austria lauded his wards for stepping up.
“I’m happy for them because everybody stepped up,” said Austria. “And I hope itong ginagawa namin ay magdire-diretso.”
Converge fell to 2-4, spoiling the stellar performance of former Gilas draftee Allyn Bulanadi, who had 22 points. Mike DiGregorio added 21 markers while Tyus Hill added 15 markers.