SMB dominates Magnolia to open title defense campaign sans June Mar

Sans six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, the San Miguel Beermen opened their title defense campaign with a dominant win over the Magnolia Hotshots, 94-78, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

SMB survived Magnolia's run with a commanding fourth-quarter show and even led as much as 18 points, 91-73, with just 3:27 left in the game, giving them enough headway to eventually get their first win this season.

Trailing by 21 against the defending champs, Magnolia ignited a 17-1 run to cut the deficit by a single digit, 61-54. SMB called ceasefire at 1:40 and started their run anew to end the third period at 69-56.

The Beermen had the upper hand at the end of the first half, 45-33, after going neck-and-neck at the first period to end at 18-all.

"They played really well, but we don't have to be complacent because we still have a lot of things to fix," SMB head coach Leo Austria said about the win. "I have to commend the team because everybody stepped up. Maybe motivated sila because of the spirit ni June Mar... in spite of the situation he was able to come here," he added.

Mo Tautuaa filled in the big shoes left by Fajardo and registered 20 points and 11 rebounds. Arwind Santos waxed hot with 18 markers on 4-of-7 threes and 15 boards, while Terrence Romeo made 19 points.

Austria commended Tautuaa for his performance. "I have to commend Mo dahil it seems na a lot of people think na without June Mar, nobody could score inside the paint. But most of the score of Mo was inside the paint. And ‘di lang yun ‘no. He could play defense too,” Austria said.

Paul Lee led the Hotshots with 19 points while Ian Sangalang and Jackson Corpuz chipped in 16 points apiece.

SMB will see action again on Friday against Rain or Shine while Magnolia will try to bounce back against Meralco on Sunday. —With a report from Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM/KG, GMA News