San Miguel Beer took the solo lead in the PBA Philippine Cup via a 99-93 win over slumping Rain or Shine on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Despite missing a few of their players, the Beermen managed to launch a balanced attack against the Elasto Painters, who fell to their 5th loss in 6 games.
Despite only scoring 10 points, June Mar Fajardo remained as the biggest threat by dominating the boards and feeding assists to his fellow Beermen.
"Alam ko naman na nahihirapan akong makatanggap ng bola kasi maganda ang game plan nila para sa amin, sa akin," said Fajardo, who collared 16 boards while dishing out 7 assists.
"So ang ginagawa ko, nagse-set ako ng screens, kumukuha ng rebounds. Decoy lang muna at pasa."
This allowed San Miguel to fend off Rain or Shine in the final period.
CJ Perez scored 21 points, while Marcio Lassiter and Rodney Brondial had 16 markers each. Jerico Cruz tallied 14 points and Simon Enciso added 12.
It was San Miguel's 5th win against 1 defeat.
"Everybody wants to contribute. I'm also happy for June Mar dahil nasu-survey niya ang game kaya marami siyang magagandang assists. Nakita niya ang mga teammates na pwedeng pasahan," said San Miguel coach Leo Austria.
Jewel Ponferada had 20 points for Rain or Shine.
The Scores:
SAN MIGUEL 99 – Perez 21, Lassiter 16, Brondial 16, Cruz 14, Enciso 12, Fajardo 10, Faundo 4, Pessumal 3, Herndon 2, Zamar 1, Canete 0
RAIN OR SHINE 93 – Ponferrada 20, Nambatac 18, Torres 16, Caracut 11, Nieto 8, Ildefonso 6, Norwood 5, Santillan 5, Demusis 2, Asistio 2, Belga 0
QUARTERS: 28-22, 49-45, 73-70, 99-93
PBA Philippine Cup, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, San Miguel Beermen, basketball, PBA, sports