Import Charles Rhodes 37 points and 19 boards while Chris Ross delivered an all-around game as the San Miguel Beermen dispatched the woeful NLEX Road Warriors, 114-108, to get back on the winning track in the resumption of the OPPO PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday at Cuneta Astrodome.
Rhodes poured in 20 points and 11 boards of his total output in the first half where San Miguel pulled away and built a commanding lead.
Ross tallied 15 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists and four steals for the Beermen (6-1) who bounced back after suffering their first defeat against TNT last May 5.
San Miguel unleashed its juggernaut offense early, going on a 16-2 finishing kick to the first quarter for a 36-22 lead.
The Beermen never looked back, building their biggest lead at 24 points. With the win, San Miguel formally booked a ticket to the quarterfinals.
NLEX tried to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, coming to within single digits after an 8-1 with just 3:31 left. But Rhodes and Ross made huge plays to hold off the Road Warriors.
Wayne Chism scored 22 points for winless NLEX (0-9) which dropped its ninth straight game. Playing their first game for their new squad since being traded a few weeks ago, JR Quinahan and Alex Mallari chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Prized center June Mar Fajardo started the game for San Miguel less than 24 hours after helping Gilas Pilipinas win the SEABA Championship gold. He finished with 12 points and four rebounds but fouled out in the fourth frame.
