San Miguel dominates Terrafirma in Leo Austria's return as head coach

San Miguel dominated Terrafirma, 106-88, on Friday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Leo Austria's return as head coach of the Beermen. The Beermen pulled away in the fourth period as they made a 12-1 run early in the said frame to lead, 85-70, at the 8:18 mark. It was mostly San Miguel then as the Beermen outscored Terrafirma, 33-22, overall in the said frame to clinch their second win in the conference.

"I'm so happy to be back and win my first [game] after long years [of being] on the sidelines," Austria said about his comeback victory. Austria replaced Jorge Gallent who was moved to the consultant role. New SMB import Torren Jones had 24 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and a steal, while June Mar Fajardo had 21 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and a block as the Beermen improved to 2-2.



Dyip import Brandon Walton-Edwards had 18 points and 18 rebounds, along with two assists and two blocks, while Mark Nonoy led the Terrafirma locals with 14 points. Terrafirma, however, remained winless in five games. Scores: San Miguel 106 – Jones 24, Fajardo 21, Perez 16, Tiongson 12, Trollano 10, Lassiter 6, Rosales 6, Brondial 4, Tautuaa 4, Cahilig 3, Ross 0, Cruz 0.

Terrafirma 88 – Edwards 18, Nonoy 14, Manuel 12, Sangalang 11, Pringle 11, Melecio 7, Catapusan 6, Hanapi 5, Ferrer 4, Paraiso 0, Hernandez 0, Olivario 0, Zaldivar 0. Quarters: 21-16, 47-39, 73-66, 106-88. —JKC, GMA Integrated News.