San Miguel Beer lost steam in the second half and bowed to the visiting Suwon KT of the Korean Basketball League, 87-81, to open its EASL 2023-’24 season on the wrong foot on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Rayshaun Hammonds proved to be the biggest thorn to the side of the PBA representatives, spearheading a huge third quarter tear that allowed the Sonicboom to take control of the game against the Beermen.

Hammonds had 32 of his game-high 39 points in the first half as he scored on his will inside the paint despite the presence of SMB’s twin tower of June Mar Fajardo and import Quincy Miller.

He also added 14 rebounds, two assists and two steals to his name while Hun Heo orchestrated the attack for the KBL runners-up with 17 points, nine assists and three steals.

Han Huiwon was also crucial for the Koreans, firing 12 of his 14 points in the third frame where Suwon KT had a 10-point turnaround and took a 68-62 lead at the end of the third after trailing by four, 43-39, at the half.

SMB import EJ Anosike exploded for 34 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals but went down the drain as SMB’s bid for redemption began on a rough start.

Fajardo was also solid for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup champions with 19 points and nine rebounds but lacked contribution from the rest of the team. 

Miller, for one, had a forgettable debut for SMB, finishing with only eight points on a poor 2-of-12 shooting.