Beermen Begin with Purpose
San Miguel Beer opened their PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup campaign with an emphatic 98-89 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. This marked the beginning of what the Beermen hope to be a redemption tour following a lackluster finish in the previous Commissioner’s Cup.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
The Beermen wasted no time making their intentions known, starting the game with a commanding 12-0 run that effectively set the tone. The early burst of energy caught NLEX off guard and allowed San Miguel to take control of the game from the opening buzzer. They maintained their composure throughout, never relinquishing the lead.
San Miguel’s offensive rhythm and defensive poise proved to be a powerful combination, especially in the first half where they led 55-43. CJ Perez spearheaded the attack with 15 points before halftime, displaying the kind of explosiveness that makes him one of the league’s most dangerous players.
Key Performers: Perez Leads the Charge
CJ Perez
Perez was undoubtedly the standout performer, finishing the night with 28 points. His ability to penetrate, shoot, and set the tempo on both ends of the floor gave the Beermen a much-needed edge. He was especially aggressive early on, helping the team establish momentum they would never lose.
Juami Tiongson
Tiongson contributed 17 points, including three crucial three-pointers, providing the outside shooting that complemented Perez’s slashing game. He was a steady secondary scorer, particularly effective in moments when NLEX tried to make a run.
June Mar Fajardo
The veteran big man had a classic double-double performance, tallying 13 points and 11 rebounds. Fajardo’s presence in the paint gave San Miguel control on the boards and solid interior defense, neutralizing NLEX’s attempts to score inside.
Don Trollano
Rounding out San Miguel’s core contributions was Trollano with 12 points. His versatility allowed the team to stretch the floor and keep NLEX’s defense honest.
NLEX’s Late Effort Falls Short
While NLEX showed more life in the second half, it wasn’t enough to overcome San Miguel’s early dominance. Mike Miranda and Robert Bolick led the scoring for the Road Warriors with 15 and 14 points, respectively.
Bolick, known for his scoring prowess, surprisingly played more of a facilitator role in the first half, attempting only one field goal in the first two quarters. Although he picked up his scoring in the latter half, the early lack of aggression allowed San Miguel to build an insurmountable lead.
Momentum Maintained Throughout
San Miguel’s consistency across all four quarters was key to their win. They maintained a double-digit lead for much of the second half, with the third quarter ending at 75-65. Even when NLEX attempted to mount a comeback, the Beermen responded calmly, executing on both ends and never letting the lead slip to a dangerous level.
Heading into the fourth quarter, Perez had already scored 22, while Tiongson added 14. The team’s composure and depth ensured that NLEX’s bursts were quickly neutralized.
Conclusion: A Statement Victory
San Miguel Beer’s victory was more than just a win—it was a statement of intent. After a disappointing run in the previous conference, the Beermen showed they are serious contenders this time around. With CJ Perez in top form, a supporting cast ready to contribute, and a strong team mentality, the Beermen have launched their redemption campaign with the authority and dominance expected of a championship-caliber squad.
As for NLEX, despite flashes of potential in the second half, they’ll need more aggressive starts and consistent execution to contend with teams of San Miguel’s caliber. Their next games will be critical in building momentum and establishing rhythm in this highly competitive conference.
The scores:
San Miguel 98 – Perez 28, Tiongson 17, Fajardo 13, Trollano 12, Lassiter 8, Cahilig 6, Tautuaa 6, Teng 6, Brondial 2, Rosales 0, Ross 0.
NLEX 89 – Miranda 15, Bolick 12, Mocon 11, Torres 11, Bahio 10, Ramirez 8, Alas 8, Herndon 7, Semerad 3, Valdez 2, Nieto 2.
Quarterscores: 28-20, 55-43, 75-65, 98-89
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