Second half storm lifts Beermen past Aces

The San Miguel Beermen recovered from a sluggish start, overpowering the Alaska Aces in the second half to earn a 109-96 victory in Batangas City on Saturday.

San Miguel struggled in the first quarter, going down 26-16. The Aces continued with their steady shooting in the second, keeping the Beermen at bay, 50-41, at the halftime break.

Coach Leo Austria’s squad turned it around in the second half, though, overwhelming the Aces with 68 points while allowing just 46 to earn the victory.

Chris Ross led the Beermen with 24 points, nine assists, four steals, and three rebounds with just one turnover in almost 38 minutes on the floor, while Marcio Lassiter and Arwind Santos added 21 points apiece. The two combined for 22 rebounds and eight assists, along with six blocks.

June Mar Fajardo tallied 17 points with 18 boards, while Matt Ganuelas-Rosser led the bench tie 11 markers.

Jayvee Casio had 20 points and six assists to pace the Aces, while Sonny Those added 15 markers. Kevin Racal and Vic Manuel chipped in 13 markers apiece as the Aces played the game without rookie Jeron Teng.

With the win, San Miguel improved to 7-2 for the top spot in the standings, while Alaska slid to 6-4 for solo fourth place behind Magnolia (7-3) and Rain or Shine (5-3). — DVM, GMA News