The San Miguel Beermen did not stand a chance against the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots in their match in the 2024-25 East Asia Super League on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
Alec Brown soared for a dunk with ease late in the third period of the match between Taoyuan and San Miguel in the 2024-25 East Asia Super League on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
That pretty much summed up the Pauian Pilots' dominant 101-85 win over the Beermen at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Brown’s flush gave Taoyuan a 77-48 lead it never relinquished for a 2-0 win-loss record in Group A.
[RELATED STORY: San Miguel falls to Taoyuan's fiery second quarter assault, stays winless in EASL]
There was simply nothing San Miguel could do after that.
Quincy Miller delivers but it did not lead to a win for San Miguel against Taoyuan in the EASL on Wednesday, Nov. 13. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Brown had a field day against the many-time PBA champion, finishing with 27 points and nine rebounds.
Trevon Graham and Lu Chun-Hsiang scored 25 points each for the Pauian Pilots, who essayed a 32-13 second quarter blitz that broke the game wide open.
Beermen assistant coach Peter Martin did not hide the squad's frustration after their dismal 0-2 start to the season.
“We’re disappointed with the two outcomes that we had. We thought we had a better chance tonight but, apparently, we fell short again,” said Martin shortly after the game.
Without making an excuse, Martin said that San Miguel is still trying to adjust to international play.
“We’re having adjustments with international ball, but it is what it is,” Martin said.
To add insult to injury, Cruz was ejected following a disqualifying foul that resulted from an altercation with Brown that saw him try to sneak a hit against the Taoyuan big man with 6:32 left to play.
Perhaps the only bright spot for the Beermen was Quincy Miller, who rebounded from a disappointing debut against KT Suwon in the season-opener last Oct. 2.
Miller turned in 32 points this time, including 10 in the first quarter to help keep San Miguel’s heads above water, 25-20, heading into the second period.
That’s when the Pauian Pilots started to slowly pick the Beermen apart.
Don Trollano was the only other SMB player in double figures with his 13 points he topped with three rebounds, a steal and a block.