King’s Scoring Explosion Strengthens San Miguel’s Playoff Push

George King erupted for 44 points as San Miguel demolished Terrafirma, 135-105, strengthening its PBA Governors’ Cup playoff position. The Beermen improved to 8-3 after answering their previous lopsided defeat against TNT with a commanding 30-point victory.

San Miguel Responds With 30-Point Terrafirma Rout

Justine Bacnis covered San Miguel’s bounce-back victory Wednesday evening as the Beermen defeated Terrafirma at Ninoy Aquino Stadium. San Miguel entered the contest seeking a response after suffering a lopsided defeat against TNT during its previous assignment.

The Beermen held a 28-27 advantage after the opening quarter before outscoring Terrafirma, 36-20, during the second period. That surge gave San Miguel a 64-47 halftime advantage before the Beermen eventually completed their 135-105 victory.

“We wanted to bounce back from our loss in the last game,” head coach Leo Austria offered. “And this game is really important for us to maintain our position in the top two … and we have a chance to get into the No. 1 spot.”

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Beermen Build 64-47 Lead by Halftime

San Miguel entered the second quarter leading 28-27 before producing 36 points and limiting Terrafirma to another 20. The Beermen consequently carried a 64-47 advantage into halftime before scoring another 41 points during the third quarter.

George King Scores 44 to Lead San Miguel Victory

King finished with 44 points, five rebounds, and five assists while leading San Miguel’s scoring during the 30-point victory. He also converted consecutive four-point shots during the third quarter, extending the Beermen’s advantage to 76-54 against the Dyip.

CJ Perez added 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one steal during another productive performance for San Miguel. Don Trollano contributed 13 points, while Marcio Lassiter scored eight and Jeron Teng finished with another seven points.

King, Fajardo and Perez Combine for 91 Points

King, June Mar Fajardo, and Perez combined for 91 points, accounting for more than two-thirds of San Miguel’s scoring. King supplied 44 points, while Fajardo finished with 25 and Perez added another 22 during the convincing victory.

Fajardo Moves Within Five Points of 10,000

Fajardo produced 25 points and 12 rebounds despite playing only through the first three quarters of San Miguel’s victory. The performance moved the nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player within five points of reaching 10,000 career points.

Austria considered returning Fajardo during the fourth quarter, which would have given the veteran center an opportunity to reach 10,000. Fajardo instead declined the opportunity and allowed his teammates to receive additional playing time with San Miguel comfortably ahead.

“Gusto ko sana siyang ibalik in the fourth quarter … But he refused to do that because he wants his teammates to play,” said Austria. “That’s the good thing about a great player like him. He’s thinking of his teammates.”

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Austria Says Fajardo Declined Fourth-Quarter Return

Austria said he considered returning Fajardo during the fourth quarter as the center approached the 10,000-point career milestone. The San Miguel coach explained that Fajardo declined the opportunity because he preferred allowing his teammates additional minutes instead.

San Miguel Faces NLEX With Top Seed in Play

San Miguel next faces NLEX on October 21 in Antipolo with both teams involved in the Group A standings race. The Beermen improved to 8-3 against Terrafirma, while NLEX entered Wednesday’s schedule carrying an 8-2 record.

Austria identified NLEX as a leading contender while emphasizing the importance of San Miguel developing its postseason mentality immediately. His comments came after the Beermen strengthened their position near the top of Group A with Wednesday’s victory.

“We have to work hard and play to win because it could give us a lot of confidence if we beat NLEX. Because for me, they are the top contender eh,” Austria said. “We have to set the mentality of the players into playoff mode.”

Austria Wants Beermen in Playoff Mode

Austria emphasized maintaining competitive urgency as San Miguel prepares for its remaining games and the approaching Governors’ Cup postseason.

“Because you cannot lose terribly in the quarterfinals because you will be having a long break before the next season; imagine that’s at least four months. That’s why I have to remind them that we have to compete until December 30.”

His comments followed San Miguel’s 30-point victory and came before an October 21 matchup carrying significant Group A standings implications.

Terrafirma Drops to 4-7 After San Miguel Loss

Justin Strings led Terrafirma with 28 points and nine rebounds during the Dyip’s 30-point defeat against San Miguel. Maverick Ahanmisi contributed 23 points, nine assists, and six rebounds as another productive individual performer for Terrafirma.

Shawn Umali added 12 points, while Juami Tiongson contributed another 10 as Terrafirma dropped to a 4-7 record. The loss represented the Dyip’s third defeat across four games after they remained within one point following the opening quarter.

Strings and Ahanmisi Lead Dyip in Defeat

Strings paced Terrafirma with 28 points and nine rebounds, while Ahanmisi added 23 points, nine assists, and six rebounds. San Miguel scored 77 points across the second and third quarters before carrying a 105-80 advantage into the fourth.

Analytical Breakdown: NLEX Presents a Tougher Test

King’s scoring becomes considerably harder to contain when Fajardo and Perez simultaneously provide efficient production across different areas. San Miguel’s three primary scorers force difficult defensive choices because additional help toward one threat creates opportunities elsewhere. The NLEX matchup should better test whether San Miguel can sustain this offensive balance while sharpening its execution for postseason basketball.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points did George King score against Terrafirma?

King scored 44 points while adding five rebounds and five assists during San Miguel’s 135-105 victory over Terrafirma.

How did June Mar Fajardo perform?

Fajardo recorded 25 points and 12 rebounds despite playing only through three quarters of San Miguel’s victory.

How close is Fajardo to 10,000 PBA points?

Fajardo finished the Terrafirma game only five points away from reaching 10,000 career points in the PBA.

What is San Miguel’s Governors’ Cup record?

San Miguel improved to 8-3 in Group A following its dominant 30-point Governors’ Cup victory over Terrafirma.

Who will San Miguel play next?

San Miguel next faces NLEX on October 21 in Antipolo with important Group A standings implications involved.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from ABS-CBN Website.