Wendell McKines solid in PBA return, power Beermen to victory over Elite

Wendell McKines, who played for Rain of Shine two years ago, delivers a fine opening performance for San Miguel.

ANTIPOLO — San Miguel Beer took charge early and eased to victory over Blackwater, 118-93, to start the final phase of its grand slam bid on Saturday in the PBA Governors' Cup at the Ynares Center here.

Behind import Wendell McKines, June Mar Fajardo and Marcio Lassiter, the Beermen built a 23-point lead at halftime and never looked back.

The three combined for 32 points in the first 24 minutes of action for the Beermen, while the Elite just couldn't find an answer and went on to absorb their third loss in as many games.

McKines had a solid play with 19 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in his first game in an SMB uniform, while Fajardo had 18 markers, eight boards, three assists and two steals.

The Beermen got ahead, 106-68, then sent in the reserves, including new acquisition Matt Ganueas-Rosser.

"I think this is our best start (coming off a championship). I'm proud of my players, despite the long break, yung iba extended pa, makikita mo pa rin na sharp sila," said San Miguel coach Leo Austria.

Lassiter made 5-of-7 shots from the three-point line and finished with 19 points.

Mike Digregorio paced the listless Elite with 18 points, while JP Erram and Roi Sumang chipped in 14 apiece.

The scores:

San Miguel 118 - Lassiter 19, McKines 19, Fajardo 18, Espinas 16, Santos 12, Cabagnot 8, Heruela 7, McCarthy 5, Ganuelas-Rosser 4, Tubid 3, Agovida 2, De Ocampo 2, Pessumal 2, Reyes 1, Ross 0, Semerad 0.

Blackwater 93 - Digregorio 18, Erram 14, Sumang 14, Belo 13, Gamalinda 11, Sena 6, Banal 4, Cervantes 4, Pascual 4, Canaleta 3, Cruz 3, Aguilar 0, Miranda 0, Pinto 0, Simpson 0.

Quarterscores: 27-19; 59-36; 94-57; 118-93. - SPIN Ph