SAN Miguel Beer’s triumphant start under new coach Jorge Gallent — a convincing 114-93 victory over Phoenix Super LPG last Sunday — signalled the start of itsvnew chapter in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

With the PBA-best 28 championships, including nine under former coach Leo Austria from 2014-22, the Beermen looked ready to contend for another crown with a line-up that boasts of a healthy June Mar Fajardo and import Cameron Clark.

Gallent is up to the challenge.

The 54-year-old Gallent, who made his PBA coaching debut with the B-Meg Llamados in 2010, guided the Beermen to a 6-1 record when Austria went under health and safety protocols last conference.

Against Phoenix, Gallent steered the Beermen to a wire-to-wire victory over Fuel Masters in a game where they led by as many as 33 points.

The Beermen took a commanding 66-37 lead at intermission.

“We just can’t relax. When you relax, you give the other team a chance to come back. It’s just whether you are a starter or off-the-bench, you have to give energy when you’re on the floor,” said Gallent in explaining Phoenix’s short-lived rally.

Up next for Gallent and San Miguel on Wednesday will be Blackwater, 108-105 winner over Phoenix.

The scores:

San Miguel (114) – Clark 23, Fajardo 19, Perez 18, Bulanadi 16, Enciso 14, Lassiter 11, Tautuaa 9, Cruz 2, Brondial 2, Ross 0
Phoenix (93)– Maxwell 21, Muyang 15, Perkins 12, Serrano 12, Alejandro 9, Jazul 8, Manganti 4, Tio 4, Camacho 2, Soyud 2, Lojera 0, Lalata 0, Go 0
Quarterscores: 42-21, 66-37, 89-68, 114-93.

Games Wednesday:

(Philsports Arena)
3 p.m. — Blackwater vs. San Miguel
5:45 p.m. –TNT vs. NLEX

AUTHOR PROFILE

Robert Andaya