The undermanned San Miguel Beermen tallied their second-straight victory, while rookie Renzo Subido’s clutch treys gave the NorthPort Batang Pier their first win in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup.

San Miguel’s Alex Cabagnot goes for a lefty lay-up against Alaska. (Photo from PBA)

Playing without two of their top stars, the Beermen relied on their collective effort to turn back the Alaska Aces, . Veteran guard Alex Cabagnot topscored for San Miguel with his 19 markers, while Arwind Santos hauled in a double-double performance of 17 points and 10 rebounds.

San Miguel jumped to a fiery start in the opening salvo as they built an early double-digit lead. But the Aces would wield their resilient spirit as rookie Barkley Eboña continues to impress with his low-post scoring.

However, the championship-tested Beermen settled into their plays in regulation, and forced Alaska to commit crucial turnovers in the waning minutes. Chris Ross, who tallied 10 points, 6 boards and 6 assists, came up with huge steals in the clutch.

Eboña and Vic Manuel produced 18 markers apiece for the Aces, while Mike Digregorio and Robbie Herndon chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively. Alaska will try to bounce back from this loss when they go up against the winless TerraFirma Dyip on Tuesday.

NorthPort books first win in the bubble

NorthPort’s Christian Standhardinger drives through the TerraFirma defenders. (Photo from PBA)

Behind timely conversion on offense in the fourth quarter, the Batang Pier has finally notched their first win of the conference with a 107-96 victory over the TerraFirma Dyip. Christian Standhardinger put in another all-around game of 23 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists, while veteran forward Kelly Nabong chipped in 18 markers off the bench.

It was a close fight right until the waning minutes of regulation. But a barrage from rookie point guard Renzo Subido was instrumental for the Batang Pier in the clutch. Subido finished with 12 points, and drilled crucial three-pointers to hold off TerraFirma.

CJ Perez led the charge for TerraFirma with his 25 points, 6 boards and 5 dimes, while rookie swingman Roosevelt Adams tallied 19 markers built on five makes from beyond the arc.

SCORES

First Game

NorthPort (107) – Standhardinger 23, Nabong 18, Lanete 14, Subido 12, Taha 12, Ferrer 8, Manganti 7, Guinto 6, Cruz 5, Elorde 2, Revilla 0

TerraFirma (96) – Perez 25, Adams 19, Tiongson 14, McCarthy 9, Ramos 9, Cahilig 8, Gabayni 6, Calvo 4, Balagasay 2, Khobuntin 0, Faundo 0

Second Game

San Miguel (92) – Cabagnot 19, Santos 17, Tautuaa 16, Lassiter 13, Ross 10, Pessumal 8, Zamar 6, Escoto 2, Mamaril 1, Gamalinda 0

Alaska (88) – Manuel 18, Eboña 18, Digregorio 13, Herndon 12, Tratter 11, Brondial 9, Casio 7, Teng 0, Ahanmisi 0, Galliiguez 0, Ayaay 0, Publico 0