MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel Beermen import Tyler Wilkerson had an impressive performance with a league season-high 52 points and 11 rebounds to lead his team past the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 120-109, on Friday, February 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Wilkerson, who fouled out in a little over 43 minutes of play, went 10-of-18 from the field including 7-of-11 from long range as San Miguel improved to 1-1 in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Swingman Marcio Lassiter was also outstanding with 28 points, 8 3-pointers, and 6 assists, while reigning two-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo had 15 points and 5 rebounds.
The Batang Pier was led by import Calvin Warner, who posted 27 points and 17 rebounds. Terrence Romeo battled foul trouble in the first half but still registered 22 points and 4 assists.
As a team, San Miguel shot 50% from the field and a superb 19-of-36 from downtown – also a league season-high.
“I think it’s a good win for us, considering we were really pressured to win our first game,” said Beermen head coach Leo Austria, whose team is gunning for a fourth title in the last 5 conference.
“I’m so grateful with our players, because, what can you ask more from these players, especially our import?”
GlobalPort, now 2-2, also shot 50% from the field but committed 20 turnovers which led to 22 San Miguel points.
The Batang Pier won the rebounding battle, 47-38, but San Miguel had more assists, 25-18.
Romeo and company will aim to bounce back on Sunday, February 28, when they face the unbeaten Meralco Bolts. San Miguel’s next game is against Blackwater on March 2, a Wednesday.
Scores:
San Miguel (120): Wilkerson 52, Lassiter 28, Fajardo 15, Cabagnot 12, Ross 5, Tubid 4, Espinas 2, Semerad 2, Arana 0, De Ocampo 0, Heruela 0, Lutz 0
GlobalPort (109): Warner 27, Romeo 22, Pringle 19, Washington 13, Taha 9, Mamaril 7, Yeo 6, Sumang 4, Kramer 2, Maierhofer 0, Semerad 0
Quarter scores: 34-23, 67-58, 93-86, 120-109 – Rappler.com