PASIG – The Meralco Bolts won their second game of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup against the San Miguel Beermen, 93-87, at the Ynares Center.
Newly acquired Beerman CJ Perez made his presence felt early with 5 points and the returning six-time league MVP June Mar Fajardo came in the game at the 3:35 mark in the first quarter.
SMB finished strong with Mo Tautuaa and Terrence Romeo combining for 13 points. Meralco tried to chase the early lead but and they trail by 7 points heading to the second period.
Veteran forward Reynel Hugnatan stepped up for Meralco along with rookie Alvin Pasaol to help tie the game at 37-all with less than four minutes in the first half. Chris Newsome gives the team their first lead while Mac Belo pushes the advantage to four at the 2:14 mark in the second.
Meralco came out firing 32 points in the third quarter with the help of John Pinto and Chris Newsome stepping up and own a 15-point lead going to the final quarter of gameplay.
The Beermen starts to make a run making seven straight baskets with Romeo leading the charge and bringing down the lead to by six, 71-77.
Romeo twists his ankle at the 8:36 mark forcing him to sit down the entire game. He will be re-evaluated for a possible MCL.
A three-pointer by Newsome with 40 seconds left in the quarter buries the Beermen’s chances to mount a comeback.
Black was hailed as the best player of the game with 14 points but Newsome led the team in scoring with 17 points along with six assists and four rebounds.
The injured Romeo was SMB’s top scorer with 18 points while Mo Tautuaa tallied a double-double with 17 points and ten rebounds. CJ Perez also had 17 points along with six boards in his first game for San Miguel.
Fajardo played only 18 minutes and was able to contribute 5 points and five rebounds.
