King, balanced Beermen overcome Giant Pandas in Governors' Cup opener

San Miguel showcased its depth in its opening game of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors' Cup, defeating Macau, 123-109, on Tuesday at the Ynares Center despite missing head coach Leo Austria and star center June Mar Fajardo.

With Austria sidelined due to health concerns and Fajardo resting after his stint with Gilas Pilipinas, the Beermen weathered a slow start before taking control. They erased an early deficit in the second quarter, dictated the pace after halftime, and gradually pulled away in the final period to begin their campaign with a victory.

A decisive 11-0 run fueled by Jericho Cruz, Rodney Brondial, and import George King turned the game into a rout, stretching San Miguel's lead to 108-93 with less than six minutes remaining and putting the result beyond doubt.

Lead assistant Peter Martin, who called the shots in Austria's absence, said the Beermen have embraced a faster style of play while waiting for Fajardo's return.

“Sinasamantala namin na wala pa si June Mar kasi pagbalik ni June Mar, babagal kami nang konti. Pero gusto namin andito siya,” Martin said.

King made an impressive return to the PBA, finishing with 30 points, five rebounds, and seven assists to lead a balanced Beermen offense that saw seven players score in double figures.

CJ Perez added 21 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Cruz chipped in 20 points, hitting four three-pointers after recently recovering from illness following Guam's campaign in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Offseason acquisition Jerrick Ahanmisi contributed 16 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Don Trollano and Mo Tautua added 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Brondial also stepped up in Fajardo's absence, posting 10 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting while dominating the boards with 25 rebounds. He also filled the stat sheet with seven assists, four steals, and a block in 32 minutes.

“Kailangan kong lumabas sa mundo ng halimaw kasi wala si June Mar. Kailangan mag-effort tayo,” Brondial said.

For Macau, De'Vondre Perry recorded 25 points and 14 rebounds, while Damian Chongqui and Kobey Lam finished with 22 points each.

The Beermen will look to build on their winning start when they face Terrafirma on Saturday at the Ynares Center.

Macau, meanwhile, fell to 0-2 in Group A and will try to break into the win column against Converge on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.