MANILA — San Miguel Beer sent a loud warning to the rest of the field after unleashing its most explosive scoring performance of the season, torching the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 158-117, in a wire-to-wire demolition in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.
In a game that showcased the Beermen’s unmatched depth, June Mar Fajardo delivered a triple-double — 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists — as the defending champions extended their streak to five straight wins, climbing to 5-2 for a share of second place.
“We caught fire offensively early,” head coach Jorge Gallent said after SMB blitzed Titan Ultra with a 36-24 opening quarter and a stunning 79-38 halftime cushion. The lead swelled to as large as 50 points in the second half.
Jaymar Perez led the scoring parade with 26 points, Jericho Cruz added 24, while Celedonio Trollano, Jeron Teng, and Andreas Cahilig contributed 20, 15, and 11, respectively. Moala Tautuaa and Kris Rosales chipped in 10 apiece, highlighting the Beermen’s balanced and relentless attack.
Titan Ultra, unable to slow down the SMB avalanche, dropped to 2-5 despite Von Pessumal’s 21 points. Joshua Munzon had 20, Calvin Oftana tallied 16, and Damie Cuntapay added 15. Jerrick Balanza and Renato Ular scored 10 each in the losing effort.
Phoenix halts slump with emphatic win
In the opener, the Phoenix Fuel Masters snapped a four-game losing streak by overwhelming the Terrafirma Dyip, 107-76, behind a strong two-way performance.
Kai Ballungay powered Phoenix with a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds. Ricci Rivero added 16, while Jason Perkins and Bryan Santos chipped in 12 each as Phoenix improved to 2-5.
Phoenix opened hot with a 37-20 first-quarter lead, absorbed Terrafirma’s brief fightback that trimmed the halftime deficit to 58-47, then reasserted dominance by stretching the lead to 84-68 in the third before cruising to victory.
Paolo Hernandez paced the Dyip with 14 points, Mark Sangalang added 13, while Aljon Mariano and Brent Paraiso scored 11 and 10, respectively, as Terrafirma slid to 1-6./PN
