San Miguel center June Mar Fajardo during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–San Miguel rediscovered its winning ways on Friday at the expense of Terrafirma, 106-88, on the day it welcomed its old mentor Leo Austria back.
The Beermen picked the Dyip apart at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila, behind the efforts of new import Torren Jones, June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez ultimately improving its record in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup to an even 2-2 win-loss mark.
Article continues after this advertisement
“I’m so happy to be back and win my first game after years on the sideline,” said head coach Leo Austria, who officially reclaimed his spot at the Beermen’s coaching helm from Jorge Gallent just before the conquest of the perennial league doormat.
READ: Arwind Santos vouches for Leo Austria: ‘Greatest’ San Miguel coach
Fajardo, the reigning Most Valuable Player, finished with 21 points, 19 rebounds and seven assists. Jones topscored with 24 points and added 13 boards while Perez, Juami Tiongson, and Don Trollano all finished with twin-digit scores.
Article continues after this advertisement
“We’re all glad that Pops is back. It’s been too long,” Fajardo said of Austria, whom he won nine championships with. “He’s back, and we won, and we just hope this goes one.”
Returning San Miguel coach Leo Austria in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –PBA IMAGES
The San Miguel cornerstone, in his reunion with his beloved coach, also notched a career milestone as he now has amassed 6,163 boards to dislodge Purefoods legend Alvin Patrimonio at No. 5 in the PBA’s career rebounds leaderboard.
The only four players ahead of Fajardo are Asi Taulava (6409), Jerry Codiñera (8,570), and pacesetter Ramon Fernandez (8,652), according to tracking provided by stats chief Fidel Mangonon III.
Brandon Edwards had 18 points and 18 rebounds as Mark Nonoy chipped in 14 more to lead three other locals in double figures for Terrafirma, which dropped to 0-5 and continued to miss the services of Terrence Romeo and Christian Standhardinger, both former Beermen stars who helped the franchise to a couple of championships.
San Miguel can get a streak going when it goes up against Blackwater this Sunday at Ynares Center in Antipolo City and doing so will prime them up well for a stringent test against visiting club Hong Kong Eastern on Dec. 22.
Terrafirma, meanwhile, battles Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday next week.
The Scores:
SAN MIGUEL 106 – Jones 24, Fajardo 21, Perez 16, Tiongson 12, Trollano 10, Lassiter 6, Rosales 6, Brondial 4, Tautuaa 4, Cahilig 3, Ross 0, Cruz 0
TERRAFIRMA 88 – Edwards 18, Nonoy 14, Manuel 12, Sangalang 11, Pringle 11, Melecio 7, Catapusan 6, Hanapi 5, Ferrer 4, Paraiso 0, Hernandez 0, Olivario 0, Zaldivar 0
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
Quarterscores: 21-16, 47-39, 73-66, 106-88.
