SAN Miguel dropped its opening game of the 2024-25 EASL season, losing to Suwon KT Sonicboom, 87-81, on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Beermen struggled to contain Suwon import Rayshaun Hammonds as he had 39 points in leading the visiting team's impressive season debut.
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San Miguel was still holding a 43-39 halftime lead before losing grip of the game after being outscored, 29-19, in the third quarter.
Heo Hoon, the 2020 MVP in the Korean Basketball League, backed up Hammonds with 17 points and nine assists. His three with 5:23 left steadied the ship after San Miguel came within two points, 75-73.
Hammonds then took over with seven points in a 9-0 run that gave Suwon an 87-75 lead.
EJ Anosike, who previously played for Suwon in 2022, dropped 34 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals for the Beermen, taking charge to stake the home team to a slim first-half lead.
June Mar Fajardo added 19 points and nine rebounds for San Miguel, which kicked off its EASL campaign while in the middle of their PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinal series against Converge where it lost Game Three, 114-112, two days ago.
SMB’s second import Quincy Miller had eight points but struggled on a 2-of-12 clip from the field.
The scores:
Suwon KT Sonicboom 87 – Hammonds 39, Heo 17, Han 14, Ha 9, Tilmon 8, Moon 0, Choi 0, Lee 0, Moon 0, Park 0, Ko 0.
San Miguel 81 – Anosike 34, Fajardo 19, Miller 8, Lassiter 8, Perez 7, Rosales 3, Trollano 2, Tautuaa 0, Ross 0, Cruz 0.
Quarters: 23-20; 39-43; 68-62; 87-81.
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