WATCH: San Miguel vs Rain or Shine Game Highlights [PBA S48 PH Cup | Mar. 15, 2024]

With the strong start of San Miguel in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, it comes as no surprise that the Beermen are on track to potentially reach the finals once again. Despite their impressive performance, the defending champions remain focused on the task at hand.

“We just do it ladder by ladder. This eliminations is the start of our ladder. As of now, we’re just thinking game by game,” said SMB head coach Jorge Gallent during the post-game presser.

“They know what this game meant. It is good to restart on a winning note,” he added.

Exhibiting their impressive depth, San Miguel dismantled a struggling Rain or Shine team with a convincing 109-97 victory at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, March 15.

Jericho Cruz played a pivotal role off the bench, contributing 20 points and 4 rebounds to lead the Beermen to victory. This win showcased San Miguel’s serious approach to defending their title, following their recent triumph in the Commissioner’s Cup.

Cruz’s 13 points during the middle quarters helped extend San Miguel’s lead from a narrow 24-22 margin at the end of the first period to a commanding 91-73 advantage going into the final quarter. The team’s lead reached its peak at 107-87, courtesy of a layup by Terrence Romeo, who returned to action with an impressive performance of 13 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals after overcoming an ankle injury.

Additionally, June Mar Fajardo, returning from a calf injury, delivered a double-double performance with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks in just 25 minutes of play off the bench. Marcio Lassiter’s sharpshooting from beyond the arc, going 5-of-6 from three-point range, added 17 points to the scoreboard, while Don Trollano contributed 16 points and 9 rebounds.