MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel got back on the playoff track following a 128-108 demolition of Phoenix behind import Chris McCullough in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, July 10. 

McCullough delivered 37 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists as the Beermen earned their second straight win to improve to a 4-5 record and leap from 9th to 7th place in the team standings. 

Replacing former Best Import of the Conference Charles Rhodes after San Miguel lost 5 of its first 7 games, McCullough remains undefeated in two games with his team making a late push for the quarterfinals. 

June Mar Fajardo was just as stellar with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while Alex Cabagnot had 16 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals in the wire-to-wire victory that saw the Beermen pull away for good in the second half.

San Miguel ended the first half up by 16 points before McCullough and Fajardo scored 12 points each in the 3rd quarter to head into the final frame sitting on a 97-70 cushion. 

Terrece Romeo had 13 points and 4 assists, while Christian Standhardinger added 10 points for the Beermen. 

Richard Howell put up 15 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks, but did not play the entire 4th period due to a suspected knee injury as the Fuel Masters slipped to 4-6. 

Matthew Wright and Rey Guevarra had 14 points each in the losing effort. 

The Scores

San Miguel 128 – McCullough 37, Fajardo 22, Cabagnot 16, Romeo 13, Standhardinger 10, Pessumal 8, Lassiter 6, Santos 5, Lanete 3, Nabong 3, Ross 3, Zamar 2.

Phoenix 108 – Howell 15, Wright 14, Guevarra 14, Chua 12, Jazul 12, Mallari 10, Intal 8, Perkins 7, Marcelo 5, Napoles 5, Kramer 4, Gamboa 2, Wilson 0, Dennison 0.

Quarters: 30-21, 61-45, 97-70, 128-108.

– Rappler.com