PBA: San Miguel opens Philippine Cup with win over Rain or Shine
San Miguel Beermen’s Jericho Cruz in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–San Miguel turned up the heat in the middle quarters on Friday night to spill Rain or Shine, 109-97, for a triumphant debut in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup.
The Beermen scored 67 points in the second and third periods to build a sizeable lead that they went on to enjoy until the end of the match at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
“The players are all locked in again now. They know what this game meant—a first game of the conference and it’s really nice to start on a winning note,” said head coach Jorge Gallent, whose squad is looking to defend its crown and sweep this season after ruling the Commissioner’s Cup.
READ: Latest PBA title sets San Miguel up for 30th crown
Jericho Cruz starred with 20 points coming off the bench, while Marcio Lassiter chipped in 17 more. Three more finished with at least 13 points, including the now-healthy Terrence Romeo.FINAL: San Miguel Beer opens its PBA Philippine Cup campaign with a 109-97 win over Rain or Shine at Smart Araneta Coliseum. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/L3lKHpg8k1
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 15, 2024
Vic Manuel also played his first game this season, which should underscore San Miguel’s already outrageous depth.
Santi Santillan had 31 points and 14 rebounds, while Beau Belga and Jhonard Clarito had 18 each in the losing stand that extended the Elastopainters’ dry spell this tournament into four games.
READ: PBA: Love him or hate him, Jericho Cruz is all about winning
San Miguel will take on 2-1 TNT next on Mar. 17 in a rematch of last year’s championship. Rain or Shine, meanwhile, battles suddenly struggling Phoenix in its next match.
