The Beermen were flat out dominated by their opponents in the tournament.
The San Miguel Beermen were once again on the wrong end of a beatdown in the EASL Champions Week as South Korean team Anyang KGC handed them a 55-point loss, 142-87.
Already playing without six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, guards Chris Ross and Terrence Romeo likewise did not suit up for the Beermen.
SMB assistant coach Peter Martin admitted their disappointment with how they played in the tournament, noting their short preparation.
“We did not represent our country properly and of course, our team,” said Martin during the post-game press conference. “Nevertheless, it was really hard for us because we're in the middle of a tournament in the Philippines, so the preparation for this tournament was really short and it was quick and we had a hard time with that.”
Anyang's Filipino import Rhenz Abando, on the other hand, made Pinoys proud with his brilliant outing against the Beermen, finishing with 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field.
In SMB's first game in the tournament, they dropped a 96-68 loss to the Ryukyu Golden Kings. Fajardo left that game only a few moments after the tip due to a knee injury.
“Our six-time MVP was injured after one minute and most of our team evolves around him, so we had a hard time. Nevertheless, we commend the team that we played [against],” said Martin.
Martin also pointed out that the team struggled in adjusting to the style of play at the EASL.
“They play quicker, faster, and [the] Philippines plays I think more physical,” said Martin. “When we talk to the imports who come to the Philippines they say it's more physical and we seldom call fouls because [in] the Philippines there's a saying, 'No blood, no foul.’”
San Miguel will now head back to the Philippines to continue their campaign in the PBA Governors’ Cup, where they currently have a 7-2 record.