WATCH: San Miguel vs Brgy. Ginebra Game Highlights [2021 Governors’ Cup | Feb. 20, 2022]

Orlando Johnson made a big turnaround from his lackadaisical PBA return Friday, churning out a near triple-double game as San Miguel Beer repulsed Barangay Ginebra, 110-102, in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.

Johnson was so efficient in collecting 31 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, capping the wondrous performance with two important baskets off LA Tenorio errors as the Beermen bounced back from a loss and, in the process, tied the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters at fifth place at 4-3.

“We knew the importance of the game and everybody’s determined to win. It’s a good development dahil plus one (for us) and minus one (for them),” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria as they won the duel of teams previously tied at 3-3.

CJ Perez fired 23 points, June Mar Fajardo delivered a double-double with 13 markers and 10 boards, and Marcio Lassiter also put in 13 points as they rebounded from their 96-81 defeat at the hands of the TNT Tropang Giga the last time out.

The Beermen actually got off to a good start then but wavered in the face of TNT’s torrid shooting in the second half. And curiously, Johnson struggled for just 12 markers in that loss.

“It was our first game from a long break and everybody’s so excited. At medyo nag-rely kami that time on Johnson as we know he can deliver. Unfortunately, he’s not able to play a good game,” said Austria.