Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — San Miguel Beermen hardly had a rest, but they came out oozing with energy in Game 1 of their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup finals opposite the Alaska Aces at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday (July 10).
Fresh from their semifinal conquest of Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Wednesday (July 8), the Beermen simply did everything right from the get-go to blow past the Aces, 108-78, and take the headstart in the best-of-seven duel.
San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria, of course, didn’t expect a lopsided contest.
“Hindi ko rin alam (what happened). Ine-expect ko it will be a tough game. Pero parang mas energetic kami sa kanila,” said Austria.
“Surprised ako kasi knowing Alaska, sila yung physical na team dito.”
Import Arizona Reid was at the forefront of Beermen’s attack, scattering 32 points including 12 in the final frame.
Big man June Mar Fajardo also made his presence felt despite being the marked man. He frolicked with a double-double outing of 18 points and 17 rebounds.
But it was Alex Cabagnot and Chris Lutz who set the tone for the Beermen, combining for 19 points in the opening quarter.
Cabagnot and Lutz had 15 and 12 markers, respectively.
The well-rested Alaska looked nothing like the same team that wound up atop the standings after the elimination round and went unblemished in the playoffs.
Alaska coach Alex Compton, who was almost out of words during the post-match interview, took the blame for the loss.
“I was outcoached,” Compton admitted.
But even his prized import Romeo Travis was outplayed by his counterpart.
After averaging 22 points in the penultimate stage, Travis finished with just 14 points on a putrid 6-of-18 shooting from the field.
