San Miguel’s Victory and Arwind Santos’ Jersey Retirement
San Miguel continued its undefeated streak in the PBA Philippine Cup with a dominant performance against Blackwater. The game, held at the PhilSports Arena, showcased San Miguel’s superiority as they secured a 124-109 victory on a special day for the team.
Arwind Santos Honored
During halftime, San Miguel paid tribute to one of its greatest players, Arwind Santos, by retiring his iconic No. 29 jersey. Santos, who spent 12 years with the Beermen and contributed to nine championship wins, was celebrated for his immense contributions to the team’s success.
Game Highlights
San Miguel’s head coach, Jorge Gallent, motivated the team to play in honor of Santos, leading to a remarkable performance in the third and fourth quarters. Don Trollano emerged as a standout player off the bench, scoring 25 points and igniting the team’s offense in the final period.
CJ Perez led the scoring for San Miguel with 26 points, supported by June Mar Fajardo’s double-double performance of 21 points and 16 rebounds. The victory propelled San Miguel to a 10-0 record, positioning them close to a historic sweep of the elimination round.
Arwind Santos’ Legacy
Arwind Santos’ arrival at San Miguel in 2009 marked a turning point for the team, leading to a period of unprecedented success. His partnership with key players like Fajardo, Lassiter, Ross, and Cabagnot resulted in multiple championships, including five consecutive Philippine Cup titles.
Santos’ individual accolades, including MVP honors and Finals MVP awards, further solidified his legacy within the franchise. His jersey retirement ceremony placed him among the elite players in San Miguel’s history, recognizing his pivotal role in the team’s achievements.
Final Scores
- San Miguel 124 – Perez 26, Trollano 25, Fajardo 21, Cruz 14, Romeo 12, Lassiter 11, Brondial 9, Teng 4, Manuel 2, Enciso 0, Tautuaa 0, Malillin 0, Ross 0.
- Blackwater 109 – Tungcab 15, Kwekuteye 15, Rosario 15, Hill 13, David 12, Casio 8, Chua 8, Ilagan 7, Suerte 5, Nambatac 5, Guinto 2, Escoto 2, Sena 2, Jopia 0, Yap 0.
Quarter Scores: 32-24, 60-53, 88-80, 124-109.
