San Miguel back on track in Austria’s return with Terrafirma drubbing

MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel gave head coach Leo Austria a fitting return and got back on track in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup following a 106-88 win over Terrafirma at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday, December 13.

Eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo dominated with 21 points, 19 rebounds, and 7 assists as the Beermen snapped a two-game skid in Austria’s first game back as head coach.

A four-time PBA Coach of the Year who steered San Miguel to nine championships from 2014 to 2022, Austria switched places with Jorge Gallent, who slid to a consultant role.

“We’re happy he’s back,” said Fajardo of Austria in Filipino. “He’s always been with the team, he’s never really gone. We’re happy he’s back and we got the win. I hope this continues.”

The romp saw Fajardo climb to No. 5 in the all-time PBA rebounding list as he surpassed four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio, who recorded 6,152 boards.

New Beermen import Torren Jones also showed the way in the rout with 24 points and 13 rebounds in his PBA debut after coming in as a replacement for Quincy Miller, whose brief stint with the team ended with a 1-2 record.

CJ Perez chimed in 16 points, while Juami Tiongson added 12 points against his former team Dyip.

Terrafirma shipped Tiongson together with Andreas Cahilig to the Beermen in exchange for Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel before the conference.

Import Brandon Walton-Edwards supplied 18 points and 18 rebounds in the loss that dropped the struggling Dyip to 0-5.

The Scores

San Miguel 106 – Jones 24, Fajardo 21, Perez 16, Tiongson 12, Trollano 10, Lassiter 6, Rosales 6, Brondial 4, Tautuaa 4, Cahilig 3, Ross 0, Cruz 0.

Terrafirma 88 – Edwards 18, Nonoy 14, Manuel 12, Sangalang 11, Pringle 11, Melecio 7, Catapusan 6, Hanapi 5, Ferrer 4, Paraiso 0, Hernandez 0, Olivario 0, Zaldivar 0.

Quarters: 21-16, 47-39, 73-66, 106-88.

– Rappler.com