THE SAN MIGUEL Beermen turned to Cagayan de Oro-native JR Cawaling to put an end to the seven-game winning streak of the league-leading Indonesia Warriors as they beat the latter, 57-52, in the Asean Basketball League last Saturday night at the Tennis Indoor Senayan in Jakarta.
The former Gilas and Far Eastern University standout had 16 points and had several three-pointers in the fourth period that virtually sealed the game’s outcome in the Beermen’s favor.
Chris Banchero once again had a stellar outing with 19 points, which made up for the absence of import Gabe Freeman, who sat the game out with an injury.
The team’s other import, Brian Williams, had 11 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks as SMB pushed its record to 6-3 (win-loss), a half-game behind its victims, which now stand at 7-3.
Former University of Santo Tomas ace guard Jeric Fortuna made his debut for the Beermen with five points while Asi Taulava imposed his will on the boards with 14 rebounds.
Chris Daniels had 16 points and 16 rebounds, while Steven Thomas had 11 points and 14 rebounds for the Warriors/Correspondent Jonas Panerio