MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Import Tyler Wilkerson and marksman Marcio Lassiter buried a combined 14 triples as the San Miguel Beermen ran away with a 117-98 victory over the Star Hotshots in the 2016 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Easter Sunday, March 27 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Lassiter drilled in 5 of his treys in the third quarter for 18 of his total 25 points as the Beermen led by as much as 71-49, and the Hotshots played catch-up since then.
Wilkerson swished in 4 of his 8 3-pointers in the payoff period to finish with 44 points and 17 rebounds.
Guard Chris Ross flirted with a triple-double, scoring 11 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists. Last conference's Finals MVP also had two steals.
Alex Cabagnot added 13 points, 4 rebounds and two assists off the bench as the Beermen hiked their record to 5-2 and snapped the Hotshots' 3-game winning run.
San Miguel figured in the blowout win despite missing two starters in reigning back-to-back MVP June Mar Fajardo and team captain Arwind Santos.
Fajardo is still recovering from a swollen knee injury and is expected to be ready to go next week, while Santos is taking time off following his mother's death last Sunday.
Second stringer Ronald Tubid also sat out due to a hyperextended knee but said he will be able to play in the next game against Barangay Ginebra on Sunday, April 3.
Star import Ricard Ratliffe registered 33 points and 21 rebounds, while James Yap poured all his 17 points in the first half as he exited the game in the third with a calf injury.
Allein Maliksi and PJ Simon added 15 and 14 points, respectively, as Star went down to 4-5.
Scores:
San Miguel (117): Wilkerson 44, Lassiter 25, Cabagnot 13, Ross 11, Arana 8, Semerad 6, Reyes 4, De Ocampo 2, Heruela 2, Mabulac 2, Espinas 0, Lutz 0.
Star (98): Ratliffe 33, Yap 17, Maliksi 15, Simon 14, Barroca 8, Reavis 6, Pingris 3, Melton 2, Mallari 0, Pascual J. 0, Sangalang 0.
Quarter scores: 32-30, 54-45, 85-71, 117-98.
– Rappler.com