Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 8) — The San Miguel Beermen opened their title retention bid in the PBA Philippine Cup on a strong note as they took down the Magnolia Hotshots, 94-78, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Despite not having reigning and six-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo due to a leg injury, the Beermen showcased their firepower in the curtain-raiser of the league’s 45th season.
Mo Tautuaa and Terrence Romeo provided the 1-2 punch for the defending champions as they led San Miguel with 20 points and 19 points, respectively.
Things were looking good for the Beermen on the offensive end as they led by as high as 23 points in the third quarter. Not backing down, the Hotshots responded with a 16-1 run to slice the deficit to single digit.
It was too much to handle for Magnolia as San Miguel maintained a safe distance in the final period to seal the win.
Arwind Santos chipped in 18 points, while Marcio Lassiter added 17 points for the Beermen.
Paul Lee powered the Hotshots with 19 points. Jackson Corpuz, meanwhile, had a stellar debut as he scored 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.
San Miguel will next face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on March 13 at the Big Dome. On the other hand, Magnolia takes on the Meralco Bolts on March 15 at the same venue.
