San Miguel was close to full strength but proved to be as deadly against the Lester Prosper-less Terrafirma, cruising to a much-needed 131-103 victory in the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday, Nov. 23.
The Beermen, behind their patented balanced attack, ushered in the return of main man June Mar Fajardo with the rousing victory that boosted their bid for a spot in the playoffs after improving to an even 5-5 record in the standings.
Jericho Cruz showed the way with 25 points built with an impeccable 6-of-6 clip from beyond the arc while Fajardo impressed in his first game back after missing more than a month due to a throat injury with 20 points and nine rebounds.
Devon Scott posted a triple-double of 21 points,19 rebounds and 11 assists while Vic Manuel added an efficient 19 points in just 20 minutes of play. Terrence Romeo, who was recently activated by SMB, came in uniform but was not fielded in the romp.
Fighting to put themselves in a good position in the playoffs, SMB showed no mercy and immediately pounced the ball inside the paint, taking full advantage of the absence of Prosper who was out due to health and safety protocol.
The Beermen, after enduring an early resistance from the all-Filipino Dyip, stepped their foot on the gas pedal midway through the opening frame to establish a double-digit spread, 29-19, which it never relinquished until the final buzzer.
SMB showed no letup in the ensuing quarters as Cruz and Manuel formed the inside-outside assault that destroyed Terrafirma’s lackluster defense to build the 25-point lead at the half, 63-38.
Terrafirma never really showed the fight it used to have when it ended its 25-straight defeats the last time out with Juami Tiongson being the lone bright spot with 28 points.