(CNN Philippines) — San Miguel Beer relied on import Arizona Reid and June Mar Fajardo to rack up its first victory in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup at the expense of Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 104-91, Tuesday (May 12) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Reid sizzled with 36 points, while Fajardo scattered 22 points to help the Beermen snap a woeful two-game tailspin to start the season-ending conference.
San Miguel Beer now holds a 1-2 win-loss record, while the Elasto Painters suffered their first loss since finishing second to Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters in the Commisioner’s Cup.
“This game saves the morale of our players,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria moments after the victory.
“Nagkaroon ng sense of urgency yung players kasi we can’t afford to lose tonight.”
After a tentative first two quarters, Reid went berserk and dropped a whopping 28 points in the second half, where the Beermen started chipping away.
The Beermen turned a tight contest into a breakaway with a 32-17 third quarter outburst instigated by Reid, Fajardo, and Marcio Lassiter.
Rain or Shine retaliated in following period, trimming a 17-point deficit with a surge highlighted by JR Quinahan’s eight swift points, 89-95.
But things went downhill for the Elasto Painters from there as Reid completed a three-point play that set the tables up for the finishing blow by the Beermen.
Rain or Shine was paced by import Wendell McKines, who had 19 points.
Paul Lee added 17 points, while Norwood and Quinahan chipped in 12 apiece.
