SMB begins PBA Govs' Cup stint with rout of hapless Phoenix

Cameron Clark outplayed Du'Vaughn Maxwell in his San Miguel debut. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—San Miguel began its quest in the PBA Governors' Cup by bludgeoning Phoenix, 114-93, on Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

In Jorge Gallent's first game as the official head coach, the Beermen wasted no time in adding woes to fellow new coach Jamike Jarin and the Fuel Masters, racing to a 42-21 first-quarter lead.

However, just when SMB looked to be on cruise control, Phoenix sizzled at the start of the fourth quarter, cutting the lead down to 10, 97-87, with 5:47 remaining.

But back-to-back threes from Marcio Lassiter and CJ Perez sparked the game-deciding 9-0 run that helped the Beermen pull away for good.

Cameron Clark led SMB with 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block, while June Mar Fajardo added 19 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Allyn Bulanadi had an impressive debut as a Beerman, tallying 16 points, three rebounds, and one steal off the bench.

Du'Vaughn Maxwell tallied 21 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks for Phoenix, which dropped to 0-3.

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