Whiff of fresh air for SMB

MANILA, Philippines — With multi-titled Leo Austria retaking the steering wheel and Torren Jones assuming import duties, holder San Miguel Beer ended a string of misfortunes on Friday the 13th.

Welcoming the coaching and import change like a breath of fresh air, the Beermen arrested a two-game slide in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup with a 106-88 romp of Terrafirma last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

June Mar Fajardo turned in a dominant 21 points, 19 rebounds and seven assists as SMB fully unleashed “the Kraken” on Austria’s comeback game and wheeled back on track after losses to NLEX (104-99) and Rain or Shine (107-93) for an even 2-2 card.

Jones, taking over from Quincy Miller, punched in 24 markers and 13 boards in his winning debut.

Austria, who previously led the Beermen to nine titles before sliding to consultant to Jorge Gallent in January 2023, was assigned back to his old post on the eve of this game during the SMC Christmas party. Subsequently, Gallent was given the consultant portfolio.

“Hindi ako nakatulog because there’s a lot of pressure,” Austria said, smiling.

Fajardo, who’s always the focal point of Austria’s system, also achieved a personal milestone as he barged into No. 5 in all-time most rebounds with 6,162 overall, dislodging Purefoods legend Alvin Patrimonio (6,152).

“Masaya kami nakabalik si Paps (Austria) at nakuha namin ang panalo. Sana tuloy-tuloy na,” said Fajardo, who anchored SMB’s 33-22 breakaway in the fourth.

Later, Barangay Ginebra stormed to 2-0 at the expense of winless Phoenix (0-4), 94-72.

The Gin Kings ripped the game apart with a 21-0 salvo bridging the third and the fourth, doing so with Justin Brownlee taking an extended breather.