Justin Patton sparks new-look San Miguel as Beermen regain confidence in PBA Season 50

After early struggles in the PBA Season 50 campaign, San Miguel found a spark in an unexpected place, a mid-conference reset powered by fresh legs and renewed purpose. The arrival of import Justin Patton didn’t just fill a roster spot—it shifted the team’s rhythm entirely.

Making his debut at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, the former NBA big man immediately imposed his presence, delivering 24 points on 10-of-19 shooting alongside 17 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and a block. 

More than the numbers, it was the timing of his contributions fueling runs and stabilizing possessions that allowed the Beermen to wrest control and cruise to a 110–94 win over the Macau Black Knights.

The victory marked a turning point for San Miguel, which improved to 2–2 after a shaky start. With Patton stepping in for former import Marcus Lee, the Beermen suddenly looked more balanced, blending inside dominance with transition efficiency.

Leading the scoring charge was Cjay Perez, who poured in 26 points and provided the offensive burst that kept Macau at bay whenever the game threatened to tighten. Still, much of the postgame conversation centered on Patton’s seamless fit despite minimal preparation.

“As of now it’s impressive. Maganda yung nilaro niya despite na isang practice lang ata siya. Hopefully sa mga susunod na games mag pick up pa yung laro niya,” Perez said.

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JUST IN: DOUBLE DOUBLE

San Miguel got an encouraging debut from Justin Patton, who finished with a double-double against the Macau Black Knights in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup. #PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/OMrR6SACow

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) March 31, 2026

Even veteran tactician Leo Austria recognized that what Patton showed was only the beginning.

“Makikita niyo naman kanina, he really wanted to play, and I gave him a lot of time because hindi pa adjusted to the Philippine brand of basketball. He’s trying to figure it out,” head coach Leo Austria said.

“Yesterday, we had a long practice, for him to know what kind of plays we’re going to run. The good thing with him, lahat ng sinasabi namin, he was able to pick it up right away,” he added.

While the debut stole the spotlight, June Mar Fajardo quietly reminded everyone why he remains the league’s most dominant local force. The multi-time MVP chipped in with a triple-double, finishing with 16 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists, anchoring both ends with his trademark consistency.

On the other side, the Black Knights continued their difficult introduction to the league, dropping to 0–5 despite solid efforts from Tony Mitchell, who posted 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Damian Chongqui, who added 19 points and seven assists.

For San Miguel, however, the bigger picture now comes into focus. The win serves as both a confidence boost and a warning shot as they head into a brutal stretch against fellow contenders, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, and Magnolia Hotshots.

It all begins on Easter Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where tradition and rivalry collide once more.

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