Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The San Miguel Beermen kicked off the 42nd season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) with a 96-88 win over the Star Hotshots to open their Philippine Cup title defense on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Reigning league MVP JuneMar Fajardo paced San Miguel with 25 markers and 16 rebounds, while Alex Cabagnot chipped in with 22 points.
The Hotshots endured an ominous start to the season after bearing the brunt of an 8-0 run by the Beermen to open up the game.
Fortunately for Star, they quickly bucked their slow start to end the opening quarter trailing by only 26-24.
The defending champions took control in the second frame to extend their lead to as much as 49-39, before entering the halftime break with a 51-43 advantage.
Star managed to collect themselves during the break and chipped away at the Beermen’s lead, before finally going into the payoff period with a 79-75 lead.
A PJ Simon trey put the Hotshots in the driver seat, 77-86, early in the final period, but San Miguel refused to go away.
The Beermen let loose a scintillating 15-0 run to wrestle back the lead, 92-86, with 3:21 left to play.
That fourth quarter burst turned out to be enough for San Miguel to start their title defense on a winning note.
Mark Barroca led the Hotshots with 13 points, while new acquisition Paul Lee debuted with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
After the game, San Miguel head coach Leo Austria paid tribute to his players for the opening day win.
“I’m so happy with this result,” Austria said. “I have to commend those players, especially those starters, especially Cabagnot… Makikita mo naman kanina na siya yung big difference.”
The Beermen will play the Phoenix Fuel Masters on November 30, while the Star Hotshots look to get their first win against GlobalPort on December 2.
