PBA: Leo Austria, June Mar Fajardo-less SMB still too good for Macau

George King reigned in his San Miguel debut. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Even without its star center and head coach, San Miguel showed why it is a force to reckon with, beating Macau 123-109 for a winning start to its PBA Governors' Cup campaign on Tuesday night at the Ynares Center 1 in Antipolo.

The Beermen initially felt the absence of coach Leo Austria due to sickness and June Mar Fajardo because of injuries he got while playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, when the Giant Pandas took control of the first half and led 58-53 entering the intermission.

However, SMB rejuvenated itself in the second half, turning things around by outscoring Macau 70-51 to steal the win.

George King impressed in his debut as a Beerman, tallying 30 points on 10 of 16 shooting, five rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one block.

CJ Perez added 21 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block, while Jericho Cruz put up 20 points on 8-for-12 shooting, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals off the bench.

Jerrick Ahanmisi had a solid outing in his SMB debut, contributing 16 points on 6 of 11 field goals, four rebounds, and four assists.

Rodney Brondial stepped up in Fajardo's absence, putting up 10 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting, 25 rebounds, seven assists, one block, and four steals.

De'Vondre Perry led the Giant Pandas, who dropped to 0-2, with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and two steals, while Damian Chongqui and Kobey Lam each had 22 markers.