Adams returns to San Miguel, scoring 49 points to beat Phoenix

Jordan Adams and the San Miguel Beermen during the PBA Governors Cup against Phoenix. –PBA IMAGES

Jordan Adams gestured to the crowd to cheer after he hit a four-pointer late in the third quarter to give San Miguel Beer an easy win over Phoenix.

That was the kind of night it was for Adams, who scored 49 points in the Beermen’s 139-127 win over the Fuel Masters in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, proving San Miguel’s decision to bring him back after the team admitted its Sheldon Mack experiment hadn’t worked.

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“I just had to be ready,” Adams said. “They told me to be ready. [because you’ll] You never know what’s going to happen. It’s my job as a professional to be ready when my name is called.”

Adams played with something to prove, making 16 of 27 shots from the field, including four 3-pointers and two from the new four-point spot.

Expanding opportunities

San Miguel improved to 5-2 and has a good chance of qualifying as one of the four teams to advance to the quarterfinals in Group B, with a highly anticipated matchup against sister team Barangay Ginebra this Sunday at the Big Dome.

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At press time, Ginebra was performing the group’s leadoff hit, Rain or Shine.

The Beermen will be hoping to rack up more wins with Adams, whose performance has justified his decision to stay with the team as a foreign player for the long term.

“We’ve got to keep winning, that’s what it comes down to,” Adams said.

Ineffective alternatives

San Miguel used Adams again after Mack recorded 16 points, one rebound, one assist and one steal in a 119-114 win over NLEX on Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Coach Jorge Galento initially said Mack would eventually bond with his teammates, but said Adams should once again wear the No. 23 jersey for the Beermen.

“We just wanted to try a 1, 2, 3 and 4 guy,” Galent said, meaning Mack can play all the guard and forward positions. “Unfortunately, it backfired. Sheldon Mack played well against NLEX, but we decided to bring Jordan back again.

“And it was great. The great thing about Jordan was that he was professional enough to stay with us and play again. I’m happy that Jordan is staying and I’m very happy with the way he’s playing. I know he’s a great foreign player.”

Phoenix remain winless after seven games and the departure of Javy Mocon, who was traded to NLEX in exchange for Ato Ullah and a future second-round pick, also worsened the Fuel Masters’ position.

Brandon Francis also had a great performance for the Fuel Masters, scoring 48 points in the loss.