By Adrian Stewart Co

San Miguel Beermen (SMB) waxed hot in the second half as they defeated Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, 110-102, in the 2021-2022 PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Orlando Johnson flirted with triple-double 31 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Jaymar Perez added 23 markers as the Beermen moved up to 4-3 slate.

June Mar Fajardo chipped in with double-double 13 points and 10 rebounds as Marcio Lassiter converted three outside hits to end up with 13 points for San Miguel Beer.

Holding to a slim 48-46 halftime lead, the Beermen went on a strong third quarter surge on outside hits by Lassiter and inside conversions from Johnson, Fajardo and Perez for an 86-73 edge.

The Kings attempted to come close several times in the fourth period with last at 106-100 but back-to-back inside hits from Johnson secured the victory for the Beermen.

Justin Brownlee tallied 40 points and nine rebounds, while Arvin Tolentino and Japeth Aguilar added 14 markers apiece as the defending champions Kings slumped to 3-4.

In the first game, Meralco Bolts used a huge fourth quarter rampage to defeat Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 93-88, to remain at second place with 5-1 slate.

Tony Bishop and Allein Maliksi took turns on the offensive end in the final quarter as they turned a 68-72 deficit to an 89-80 advantage with over two minutes left.

The Painters made its last push at 88-90 after a basket by Jayvee Mocon but a layup by Chris Banchero and split free throw by Bishop sealed the win for the Bolts.

Bishop finished the match with double-double 26 points and 14 rebounds, while Maliksi and Raymond Almazan added 19 and 17 markers, respectively, for the Bolts.

BOX SCORE: 

SAN MIGUEL 110 – Johnson 31, Perez 23, Fajardo 13, Lassiter 13, Romeo 9, Manuel 8, Tautuaa 7, Ross 6, Brondial 0.

BARANGAY GINEBRA 102 – Brownlee 40, J. Aguilar 14, Tolentino 14, Tenorio 13, Standhardinger 8, Thompson 7, Pinto 6.

Quarterscores: 20-24, 48-46, 86-73, 110-102./ASC, WDJ