San Miguel Beer continued its turnaround from a 0–2 start after beating another struggling team in Terrafirma, 100-88, Sunday, Dec. 26 in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Terrence Romeo led the charge with 23 points as the Beermen stretched their winning streak to three games, but not before shaking off a minor scare late in the fourth quarter.
After enjoying a comfortable lead all throughout, SMB watched as Terrafirma got to within six, 94-88, on Juami Tiongson’s triple with under two minutes to go in the contest.
Romeo, however, made sure the Beermen would avoid a collapse, hitting a jumper on the next possession to set up a 6-0 windup.
SMB ended 2021 on a high note after starting the season-ending conference with losses to NLEX and Alaska.
Coach Leo Austria’s wards have since bounce back by defeating winless sides NorthPort and Blackwater.
“I have to commend the players because of the sacrifices in spite of the holiday,” said Austria. “They’re always present in the practices because they know the importance of our games after two consecutive losses and I’m happy for them.”
Import Brandon Brown also scored 23 points while adding 10 rebounds, five assists, four steals and one block even as CJ Perez produced 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists against his former team.
Tiongson scored 21 points but the Dyip dropped their third straight to go 1-4 this conference.
Terrafirma import Antonio Hester struggled before finishing with 19 points, seven rebounds and five steals.
The Scores:
SAN MIGUEL 100 — Romeo 23, Brown 23, Manuel 14, Perez 17, Fajardo 11, Lassiter 8, Tautuaa 2, Enciso 2, Pessumal 0, Zamar 0.
TERRAFIRMA 88 — Tiongson 21, Hester 19, Calvo 9, Daquioag 8, Cahilig 7, Ramos 7, Gabayni 4, Camson 4, Pascual 4, Ganuelas-Rosser 3, Batiller 2, Ramos 2.
Quarters: 27-18, 48-37, 77-58, 100-88.