Things are looking good for the Beermen in the season-ending conference.
San Miguel Beermen coach Jorge Gallent is not surprised with his team’s fiery start in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
The Beermen rose to a 5-0 record to take the solo lead in the season-ending conference, and Gallent attributes that to import Cameron Clark coming in early.
“Cam is a big, big, factor here in this 5-0 start. He’s doing a great job,” Gallent said of the American reinforcement, who finished with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists in the 94-86 win over the Meralco Bolts.
Apart from that, Gallent added, the Beermen have been “playing really hard.” On Thursday, three other locals finished in double figures.
Hounded by a pair of offensive fouls early on, Cjay Perez eventually found his groove on his way to 19 points.
“Iniisip ko lang talaga hindi ako titigil umatake hangga’t nakikita ko daan papuntang basket e,” Perez said.
“Na-frustrate ako dun sa dalawang offensive, pero sabi ni coach, focus lang ako lagi sa game. Nag-start ako maka-shoot, nakuha ko '[yung] rhythm.”
Jericho Cruz added 13, while six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo had 11 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Simon Enciso and Marcio Lassiter combined for 15 markers.
“It’s just all of the players. They’re playing together offensively and defensively. This 5-0 start, the credit is to the players," Gallent emphasized. "They’re really doing a good job listening and learning, especially listening to the defensive and offensive schemes of the team.”
If they keep this up, a repeat of the Philippine Cup—with the Beermen raising another championship trophy—won't be too far-fetched.