NLEX def San Miguel, 117-113 [PBA S48 Comm’s Cup | Nov. 15, 2023]

For all their dominance, it’s not hard to find motivation for the San Miguel Beermen.

Firstly, they’re not their old team anymore.

Secondly, they’ve been without a crown in import-flavored tourneys in the last three years.

Minus the likes of Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot, the rejigged San Miguel Beeer team salivates for championship.

Coach Jorge Gallent and his troops start quest for glory as they take on the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo Wednesday.

June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter descend from their lofty perch as Asian Games champs as they return to action on the PBA floor, reuniting with teammates that now include new SMB recruit Jeron Teng and new import Ivan Aska.

They chase a first crown in an import-laced tourney since ruling the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup with import Chris McCullough.

“We haven’t won since the time of McCullough,” said Gallent, citing a drought that should inspire the Beermen to come out strong and fight hard each game in this tourney.