Mixers seek 4th win vs E Cola tonite; Beermen sustain run, rap B Pier

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer stayed right behind frontrunner Talk n Text and kept Globalport in the hunt for an elusive first win as the Beermen outplayed the Batang Pier at the finish, 109-92, in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

The Beermen made good use of their matchup advantages, leading from start to finish on the way to a third straight win and fifth in six games in all in the mid-season tourney.

Kevin Jones and his teammates opened an early double-digit spread at 19-8 and kept a safe distance to the finish as they sent the Batang Pier reeling to a sixth loss in as many outings.

The Beermen scored another empathic victory even as coaching consultant Todd Purves insisted they’re far from reaching peak form.

“There’s no way we’re near 100 percent. I still have guys who are still hurt,” said Purves. “I’m proud of the guys who’re fighting through it.”

Purves specifically mentioned Sol Mercado who had a decent performance against his former team.

Mercado was among the Beermen who put in double-digit outputs as they overpowered the Batang Pier, playing relentlessly to the finish.

The Beermen imposed their will and dominated on both ends, holding “Mr. 20-20” Evan Brock below his usual number.

Jones put in bigger numbers with 30 points and 19 rebounds and Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross and Junmar Fajardo provided ample support job.