SMB debut win with Coach Gallent
4 min readJorge Gallent-coached San Miguel Beermen off to a roaring start in PBA Governor’s Cup with a win over Phoenix
The San Miguel Beermen made a triumphant start in the PBA Governors Cup conference by beating the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 114-93, at the Ynares Center Sunday, January 29, which served as a welcome gift for the debuting coach of San Miguel, Jorge Gallent, who replaced Leo Austria.
San Miguel Beermen’s Cameron Clark shoots against Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters’ import Du’ Vaugn Maxwell in their PBA Governor’s Cup encounter Sunday, January 29, at the Ynares Center. PBA PHOTO
The Beermen dominated the game from the start, with a 42-point lead in the first quarter.
However, they slowed down a bit in the second half but still managed to maintain a significant lead. Gallent noted that the team cannot afford to relax and that every player, whether a starter or off the bench, must bring energy to the floor.
Despite the large lead being trimmed down to 10 points at one point, Gallent reminded his team that they must play a full 48 minutes to secure the win.
He underscored the importance of energy and effort, regardless of whether a player is a starter or coming off the bench.
Simon Enciso was a standout player for the Beermen, as he contributed 14 points, four three-pointers, nine assists, and two steals in 32 minutes of action. Enciso said, “I’m trying to take it from last conference.
All the flaws, the ups and downs, I’m trying to use it as a motivation.”
The Beermen put up a strong performance, with six players figuring in double-digits. Cameron Clark poured in 23 points, June Mar Fajardo chipped in 19 and 13 boards, and CJ Perez added 18 points, seven assists, and five boards.
Allyn Bulanadi canned 16 points in his SMB jersey debut as Marcio Lassiter made 11 baskets, including three triples.
The Beermen took a 66-37 lead at halftime and extended their lead to 33 points at one point. But the Fuel Masters attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, only to be extinguished by the Beermen who secured the win.
The loss extended the Fuel Masters’ winless streak to three games under interim coach Jamike Jarin.
Du’vaughn Maxwell, for his part, hit 21 markers on top of 14 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks for the Javee Mocon-less Fuel Masters.
SMB’s new head coach Gallent acknowledged the pressure of coaching the decorated Beermen team. He resorted to playing golf to alleviate stress after taking on the role.
Jorge Gallent wins his first game since assuming the head coach role of the San Miguel Beermen, replacing Leo Austria. PBA PHOTO
He made the comments after his first victorious game as coach, where San Miguel Beer defeated Phoenix Super LPG.
He previously substituted for a sick Leo Austria during seven games of the Commissioner’s Cup and led the Beermen to the semifinals.
Although coaching the team carries pressure, Gallent feels secure with the support of management.
San Miguel 114 – Clark 23, Fajardo 19, Perez 18, Bulanadi 16, Enciso 14, Lassiter 11, Tautuaa 9, Cruz 2, Brondial 2, Ross 0.
Phoenix 93 – Maxwell 21, Muyang 15, Perkins 12, Serrano 12, Alejandro 9, Jazul 8, Manganti 4, Tio 4, Camacho 2, Soyud 2, Lojera 0, Lalata 0, Go 0.
