San Miguel def Blackwater, 105-86 [PBA S47 Govs’ Cup | Feb. 1, 2023]

San Miguel got off to a fine start in the PBA Governors’ Cup but should be ready for whatever ambush Blackwater has in store in their collision Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena.

The Beermen are aiming to follow up their impressive 114-93 conquest of Phoenix Super LPG last Sunday but would have to hurdle a Bossing crew that wants a second straight win in three games.

Blackwater does intend to spring a surprise with coach Ariel Vanguardia using the things he scouted during the SMB-Phoenix game to come up with a basic game plan.

“Marami masyadong weapons ang San Miguel kaya kailangan hindi namin ibigay ang gusto nilang gawin offensively at kailangan ma-iskoran namin zone (defense) nila,” bared Vanguardia.

“Kasi against Phoenix siguro mga 80 percent of the time naka-sona sila so kailangan maka-shoot kami against their zone kundi lalabo chances namin,” he added.

Indeed, SMB managed to erect an early 33-point lead after Phoenix threw up mostly bricks from deep. When the Fuel Masters did find their touch, they were able to chisel the lead down to 10 before the Beermen put their acts together once more and dispelled the threat.

The team unable to hang on to big leads is something that has plagued SMB before, but new head coach Jorge Gallent maintained he had faith his team would be able to hang on.