PBA: SMB breaks away after tight Q1 to repulse Phoenix

CJ Perez continues to have a stellar PBA Philippine Cup campaign. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--San Miguel broke loose from Phoenix's gallant stand early on to score a 111-92 win in their PBA Philippine Cup battle on Sunday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Up by just one point, 30-29, after the first quarter, the Beermen pulled away after outscoring the Fuel Masters, 34-21, in the second quarter and holding them to just 13 in the third quarter.

CJ Perez led SMB, which moved up to third place in the standings at 4-2, with 26 points on 12-for-22 shooting, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Don Trollano stepped up off the bench and added 21 points on 7-for-13 shooting, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

June Mar Fajardo contributed 20 points on 9-of-12 field goals, 12 rebounds, three assists, and one block.

Kai Ballungay continued his splendid conference for Phoenix, which is now at 2-4, as he put up 23 points, three rebounds, one assist, and two steals.

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