San Miguel Beermen Roar Back to Life, End Skid with Statement Win Over Rain or Shine

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by Cristian Andal

SMB guard CJ Perez drives past RoS' Adrian Nocum (1) during their game last Sunday.
SMB guard CJ Perez (right) drives past RoS' Adrian Nocum (1) during their game last Sunday. Photo: PBA Images.

After back-to-back heartbreakers, the San Miguel Beermen finally reminded everyone why they’re still the PBA’s gold standard. 

Behind clutch performances from CJ Perez and Marcio Lassiter, the Beermen dismantled the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 111-93, on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, snapping a two-game slide in dominant fashion.

Perez was a force all night, pouring in 23 points with his signature energy on both ends. But it was Lassiter who went hot when it mattered, erupting for 12 points in the third quarter after returning from a nose injury that briefly sent him to the dugout in the first half. His second-half explosion fueled a fiery SMB run that turned a tight contest into a blowout.

And just when fans thought June Mar Fajardo was having an off night, the nine-time MVP woke up at the perfect time. After being held to just three points through three quarters, Fajardo came alive in the final frame, scoring 14 of his 17 points and sealing the win as the Beermen built a commanding 105-80 cushion.

Coach Leo Austria credited his team’s composure and experience for the turnaround. “We’re not yet in peak form,” Austria admitted. “The other teams had longer preparation, but I’m proud of how the guys responded. We needed this win to regain our rhythm.”

SMB star Marcio Lassiter erupted for 18 points in the final period to seal the win.
SMB star Marcio Lassiter erupted for 3 three-pointers in the third period to lead the lopsided win. Photo: PBA Images.

For Lassiter, the victory carried a deeper meaning. “I wasn’t sure if I’d even get back out there after that hit,” he said. “But at 0-2, we couldn’t afford to fall further behind. Everyone’s banged up, but that’s what this team is about, sacrifice and urgency.”

Rain or Shine had its moments early, even managing to frustrate Fajardo with tight double teams. Adrian Nocum led the E-Painters with 17 points, while Jhonard Clarito and Gian Mamuyac added 16 apiece. But in the end, their cold shooting and lapses on defense doomed them.

With the win, San Miguel (1-2) looks to be back on track. And if Sunday’s performance is any indication, the Beermen might have just flipped the switch. 

The Scores:

San Miguel 111 - Perez 23, Lassiter 18, Fajardo 17, Tiongson 11, Trollano 8, Calma 8, Tautuaa 6, Brondial 6, Cruz 5, Rosales 3, Miller 2, Teng 2, Mantua 2, Ross 0.

Rain or Shine 93 - Nocum 17, Clarito 16, Mamuyac 16, Pringle 11, Tiongson 9, Caracut 6, Datu 6, Norwood 4, Asistio 4, Porter 2, Santillan 2, Belga 0.

Quarterscores: 22-19, 46-34, 74-65, 111-93.