October 30, 2018

Standhardinger continues to shine as SMB seals playoffs spot

Fil-German rookie Christian Standhardinger captured his second Cignal-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week award for the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup following another monster effort that helped San Miguel Beer clinch a playoff berth.

The 6-foot-8 Standhardinger has been a picture of consistency for the Beermen, who won back-to-back games this past week to stretch their winning run to four en route to sealing a playoff spot.

The Beermen currently occupy the sixth spot in the standings with their 6-4 card, behind Barangay Ginebra's 8-2 record, Magnolia (8-3), Alaska (8-3), Phoenix and Blackwater, which carry similar 7-3 records.

Standhardinger, last year's top overall rookie pick averaged 21.5 points, 20 rebounds and 2.5 assists in San Miguel's victories over NorthPort and Rain or Shine, respectively the past week.

The standout from Nebraska and Hawaii registered 21 points and 22 boards in a scintillating effort to help SMB subdue NorthPort, 114-107 last Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

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The 29-year-old Gilas Pilipinas mainstay continued his explosive form after finishing with 22 points, 18 rebounds and four assists in leading San Miguel to a 109-97 spanking of Rain or Shine last Saturday.

Standhardinger's blue-collar attitude bodes well for SMB, which overcame a slow start to make the playoffs.

The SMB freshman beat teammate Alex Cabagnot, Phoenix forward Calvin Abueva, NLEX's JR Quinahan, Blackwater's Mark Belo, along with Ginebra's Greg Slaughter and Sol Mercado for the weekly citation for the period of Oct. 22-28. - RD