PBA: Gallent rues San Miguel’s ‘terrible’ defense despite notching 46 assists

MANILA, Philippines — Despite San Miguel’s outstanding ball rotation in its win against Northport in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, coach Jorge Galent was not satisfied with the victory.

In the Beermen’s 145-132 victory over Batang Pier, Galent decided not to celebrate the team’s 46-help night and said a lot of work is needed in the team’s defense.

“We dished out 46 assists, but our defense was terrible,” said the top coach.

“As I said, in order to win, you have to share the ball. Without showing it, you have to do everything to give others a chance. If we are stagnant on one side, there is nothing,” he said trying to find a silver lining.

The Beermen defeated the Batang Pier by a big score, 46-17, but could not hold the Batang Pier in their season average.

The Bonnie Tan-led squad averaged just 105.8 points per night, ranking only as the seventh-highest ranked squad in scoring but managed to put up 132 in the All-Filipino Cup championship.

Cam Clark, who had the highest scoring output of 44 to go along with nine rebounds and seven dimes, however, gave credit to the movement in the sixth conference win.

Clark said they play “SMB basketball” type known to bury Batang Pier to a winless 0-6 record.

“I feel like I’m playing outside and we’ve been playing SMB basketball by just showing the ball. I think we stopped at the end after a slow start. We started making shots and were confident,” said the import.

Currently, the Beermen are second in assists per game with 27.2, just behind Ginebra’s 28.5.

Coincidentally, San Miguel’s next game will be against Commissioner’s Cup champion Gin Kings in a marquee matchup.

For Galent, there’s no doubt he’ll make any mistakes in his sister team’s matchup, saying he’ll have to do what he did on Wednesday while staying sharp for the juggernaut.

“When we [Ginebra] playing people, we have to stay clear. We can’t start sluggishly, we have to play clearly for 48 minutes. Otherwise, they will benefit from having a good coach and good discipline,” he said.

“This week will be difficult for us, but it will be a test of character. Right now, we have finished Northport but tomorrow we will think about Ginebra,” he said.

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