ABL: San Miguel Beermen grind out win versus Thai Slammers

The San Miguel Beermen played stingy defense to eke out their second straight win in the Asean Basketball League, beating the Chang Thailand Slammers last Sunday on the Slammers’ home court, 68-59. 

 

The Beermen used a 13-2 run over the last four minutes and 25 seconds of the second quarter to grab the lead for good, after trailing by as much as 10 points in the period.

 

The Slammers' locals made several rally attempts in the third, tying the game at 45-all, and then again at 48-all, thanks to charities by Attaporn Lertmalaiporn and Wattana Suttisin, but former Singapore Slinger and Far Eastern University graduate Leo Avenido kept the lead with San Miguel. 

 

In the final seven minutes of game, the Beermen's lead never went below four points and the Philippine squad was able to hold their hosts to just 11 for the entire final quarter, completing the defensive outing. 

 

Darlon Johnson led San Miguel with 21 points and eight rebounds. Leo Avenido added 14 markers, while RJ Rizada had five points and five assists off the bench.

 

Thailand's imports Kenneth Walker and Deandre Thomas combined for 36 of the team's 59, while former Coca-Cola Tiger and University of Perpetual Help product Chester Tolomia chipped in 11. 

 

San Miguel will next travel to Singapore, for a February 1 fight with the Singapore Slingers.

 

 

The scores:

 

San Miguel Beermen 68 - Johnson 21, Avenido 14, Thomson 10, Fernandez 9, Rizada 5, Cabatu 3, Fajardo 3, Baguion 3, Gonzales 0, Mangahas 0, Luanzon 0

 

Chang Thailand Slammers 59 - Walker 21, Thomas 15, Tolomia 11, Suttisin 5, Lertmalaiporn 4, Apiromvilaichai 3, Sangthong 0, Tintai 0, William 0

 

Quarter-scores: 15-19, 33-32, 51-48, 68-59