San Miguel opened its EASL campaign with a loss to Suwon KT Sonicboom in Group A action on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Rayshaun Hammonds scored 39 points and Suwon KT Sonicboom frustrated San Miguel, 87-81, in the East Asia Super League opener on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Hammonds, who also had 14 rebounds, two assists, and two steals, led the late-game assault that put the game away as the Sonicboom gained the headstart in Group A of the home-and-away season at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The former NBA G League player with Fort Wayne dropped seven points in a 12-2 run that allowd his squad to build a separation from a slim 75-73 lead.
Former Korean Basketball league Most Valuable Player Heo Hoon added 17 points, including a booming triple with 5:23 remaining that hiked the visiting team's advantage to 78-73.
“We could have won a lot easier, but we started rusty. The reason is it’s the first time our American players are playing together on the floor,” Hoon said.
EJ Anosike carried the bulk of the load for the Beermen with 34 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
June Mar Fajardo had 19 markers and nine rebounds for the Beermen, who are in the thick of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals against hard-fighting Converge.