San Miguel import Bennie Boatwright Jr in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–San Miguel kept it together in the most critical of times on Friday night to fend off Blackwater, 125-117, becoming the third club to secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The Beermen rode the hot hand of import Bennie Boatwright Jr. once again, and then Jericho Cruz towards the end of the contest at Smart Araneta Coliseum to end their elimination round campaign and hike their win-loss record to 8-3.
“In the end, they stayed composed. When it went down to just two [points] they knew where to go, when to pass the ball. I’m blessed that these players when it came to crunch time, they know what to do,” said head coach Jorge Gallent, who helped steer San Miguel to five straight wins–matching his best with the franchise.
Boatwright Jr. finished with 44 points and 12 rebounds while Cruz added 12 and Don Trollano 10, including the finishing touches.
San Miguel also got the goods from CJ Perez and Terrence Romeo who finished with at least 14 points each, along with returning cornerstone June Mar Fajardo, who tallied 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists in his first game back from a fractured hand.
As things stand, San Miguel sits on the No. 3 squad, on pace to battle either NorthPort or Rain or Shine in the knockout stages.
“This is our first ladder. Our first goal was to get to the Final Four. We did that, and now we have to work on our quarterfinals stint,” said Gallent. “We’re going to ladder two now.”
Blackwater, long eliminated from playoff contention, drew 43 points and 15 rebounds from import Chris Ortiz. Tyrus Hill and Rey Suerte chipped in twin-digit scores as the club dropped to 1-10 for the longest active losing streak in the league.
The Bossing’s lone victory was against Converge, their first match in this import-laden conference.
Defending champion Barangay Ginebra and Meralco are the last two clubs vying for playoff protection.
San Miguel-Blackwater scores
SAN MIGUEL 125 – Boatwright 44, Perez 15, Romeo 14, Cruz 12, Fajardo 11, Trollano 10, Tautuaa 8, Ross 6, Teng 5, Lassiter 0.
BLACKWATER 117 – Ortiz 43, Hill 14, Suerte 13, Amer 12, Kwukuteye 9, Sena 8, DiGregorio 7, Guinto 4, Ilagan 3, Concepcion 2, Jopia 2, Escoto 0.
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QUARTERS: 27-25, 63-51, 98-86, 125-117