PBA: San Miguel extends streak as Phoenix unable to rise from ashes

San Miguel proved to be too much for the struggling Phoenix, eking out a 116-102 victory and extending its winning streak as the PBA Philippine Cup returned from a two-week break on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The defending champions improved to 3-0 to start their title defense while the Fuel Masters absorbed their fourth loss in five games.

CJ Perez was the protagonist for the red-hot Beermen after the former NCAA MVP dropped his best output this season with 32 points on top of four rebounds, five assists, and two steals while getting ample help from his team. 

Both off the bench, Jericho Cruz tallied 17 and four dimes while Terrence Romeo churned out 16 markers on 50 percent shooting from the field. June Mar Fajardo put together a double-double effort of 13 points and 12 rebounds as Don Trollano chipped in 10 markers. 

Despite multiple comeback attempts from the Fuel Masters, the Beermen displayed poise with Perez burying a three-pointer that allowed them to mount an 18-point lead at 116-98 in the final 58 seconds of the fourth. 

Phoenix, however, saw some silver linings from its youthful roster with Matthew Daves and JJ Alejandro showing their leadership with 13 points apiece while Kent Salado and Ricci Rivero each had 10. 

Scores:

SMB 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.

Quarters: 27-23, 49-45, 86-75, 116-102.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News