WATCH: Interview with Coach Jorge Gallent and Best Player Jericho Cruz [Feb. 1, 2023]

San Miguel may not have learned its lesson from its last game but still had plenty in stock in easily hurdling Blackwater, 105-86, Wednesday and go 2-0 in the PBA Governors Cup at the PhilSports Arena.

Much like in their opening 114-93 win over Phoenix Super LPG last Sunday, the Beermen almost blew a sizable lead but again showed uncanny poise when it mattered most to dispel the threat.

Holding on would simply not do for coach Jorge Gallent. “We just have to learn, we just have to play smarter,” he said.

“In the first half we were running, we were running and then it suddenly stopped,” added Gallent. “So we just got to learn, we’re gonna watch films and see what’s really happening there. That’s what I always say, if we give the other team the chance to come back, they will take advantage of it.”

Blackwater did put up a gallant fight, refusing to simply wilt after falling behind by as much as 33-63 late in the second period.

Behind Shawn Glover, Yousef Taha, RK Ilagan and Tyrus Hill, the Bossing managed to outscore the Beermen, 33-20, in the third period and come within 13 points twice, the last at 72-85.

The toll of trying to wage a scoring duel with a more formidable team took its toll on Blackwater, however, with SMB even outscoring its foes, 20-14, in the last 11 minutes of play.