San Miguel Beer unleashed its true might 48 hours after a shocking upset by Columbian Dyip, stamping its class on Barangay Ginebra, 99-91, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
The Beermen played as the reigning four-time all-Filipino champs as they are and foiled the Kings' shot at a 2-0 start in the season-opening tourney.
Both teams are at 1-1 going to their next game. San Miguel Beer tangles with Meralco at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo Friday while Barangay Ginebra tackles Rain or Shine in a Petron Blaze Saturday showdown at the Calasiao Sports Center in Calasiao, Pangasinan.
Coach Tim Cone anticipated an uphill climb versus the San Miguel team coming from its shattering loss to the Dyip.
"Columbia really stirred the hornets nest for us by beating them," said Cone.
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The Beermen pummeled the Kings badly in each of the first three quarters, and stormed to a lead as big as 23 (76-53) before eventually breaking into the win-column in the tourney.
The Kings actually waged a chase in the fourth quarter behind a bunch of three-pointers by LA Tenorio and rookie Tey Teodoro.
But the Beermen had their exploits from the long court, the biggest from that of Marcio Lassiter that fended off the Ginebra rally at 97-89 with time down to 1:12.
"Nakanti yung pride dun sa talo sa Columbian. And their pride prevailed tonight. Lahat nagpakita ng maganda," said San Miguel coach Leo Austria.
All SMB starters scored in double figures led by Christian Standhardinger with 26 points in a big rebound from his measly 12-point outing the last time.
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Chris Ross fired 22 including 6-of-12 three-pointers, Marcio Lassiter contributed 16 counting four treys, Von Pessumal chipped 13 spiked by three triples while June Mar Fajardo collected a double-double with 11 rebounds and 10 markers.
And the whole team exerted a conscious effort to play tough defense.
After giving away 124 points to the Dyip, the Beermen held the Kings to a lot less.
"We're criticized for our defense. The guys showed tonight that they can play tough defense. It we can continue to do that, then we can have a good future in this tourney," said Austria.
The SMB bench chieftain felt their win against Ginebra could well boost their morale.
"Sabi ni (Columbian) coach (Johnedel) Cardel, nakabingwit sila ng malaking isda. Kami rin, nakabingwit ng malaking isda," he said.
The scores:
San Miguel 99 - Standhardinger 26, Ross 22, Lassiter 16, Pessumal 13, Fajardo 10, Santos 6, Nabong 6, Tubid 0, Zamar 0.
Ginebra 91 - Tenorio 24, Aguilar 20, Slaughter 11, Thompson 9, Devance 6, Teodoro 6, Dela Cruz 4, Ferrer 4, Caguioa 3, Mariano 2, Mercado 2.
Quarters: 20-17, 44-35, 78-57, 99-91.
