BENNIE Boatwright went on an early scoring spree as San Miguel cruised past Terrafirma, 132-110, and enhanced its bid for a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
In only in his second game with the Beermen, Boatwright exploded for 51 points, including 34 in the first half to set the tone of the one-sided match Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 27-year-old import, a product of the USC Trojans, also grabbed 12 rebounds and went 19-of-31 from the field in the win that stretched San Miguel’s winning streak to four for a 7-3 record overall.
The 51 points of Boatwright is the most by a San Miguel player since Shabazz Muhammad dropped 57 points in a 115-110 win against Meralco in the 2021 Governors' Cup.
His 34 points at the half meanwhile, is the first in two years since Justin Brownlee came through for 36 points in the second half of Barangay Ginebra's 114-111 win over NLEX also in the same Governors' Cup.
Boatwright said the last time he scored in the 50s was during his high days, but not as a pro.
The import added he's just trying to live up to the winning tradition of the Beermen, who led the Dyip by as much as 22 points.
"I'm excited to be here. I'm hearing all about the tradition. This team has a lot of accolades over the past years and I'm glad to be a part of it and make a run in the playoffs," said Boatwright, who took over the place of Ivan Aska.
Don Trollano led the San Miguel locals with 22 points, Mo Tautuaa and CJ Perez had 16 points each, while Terrence Romeo added 12 and seven assists.
Terrafirma, already out of the playoff picture, suffered its seventh straight loss and fell to a 2-8 record.
Sophomore Juan Gomez De Liano continued his consistent showing for the Dyip as he led the team in scoring with 26 points, while import Thomas De Thaey had a double-double of 17 points and 17 rebounds.
The scores
San Miguel (132) -- Boatwright 51, Trollano 22, Tautuaa 16, Perez 16, Romeo 12, Lassiter 6, Cruz 6, Brondial 2, Ross 1, Teng 0.
Terrafirma (110) - Gomez de Liano 26, De Thaey 17, Tiongson 17, Holt 13, Camson 11, Sangalang 6, Cahilig 6, Carino 6, Miller 4, Alolino 4, Go 0, Ramos 0.
Quarterscores: 33-30; 67-60; 103-91; 132-110.
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