Beermen beaten in EASL opener

MANILA, Philippines — Import Rayshaun Hammonds kicked up a second-half storm to power visiting Korean squad Suwon KT Sonicboom to an 87-81 victory over home team San Miguel Beer in the East Asia Super League (EASL) last night at the MOA Arena.

After a quiet showing in the initial skirmishes, Hammonds cranked it up and scored nearly at will in the last 20 minutes to enable the Sonicboom to seize control of the Group A opener.

The 6-foot-9 Hammonds dropped all but seven of his 39 points after the break and added 14 rebounds, two assists and steals as he provided the biggest thorn in the side of SMB, which launched its bid in the EASL in the heat of its drive in the ongoing PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinal series.

Skipper Heo Hoon (17) and Han Huiwon (14) also delivered for the Korean Basketball League runners-up, combining for six triples.

EJ Anosike had an explosive night of 34 points for SMB. June Mar Fajardo produced a complementary 19-9 but Quincy Miller, the Beermen’s second import, struggled with eight markers on a 2-of-12 shooting.