SAN Miguel exploded for 42 points in the third quarter behind a red-hot Bennie Boatwright to defeat Rain or Shine, 127-122, on Friday at the Philsports Arena and clinch a semifinal berth in the PBA 48th Season Commissioner’s Cup.
Boatwright scored 13 of his 41 points in that key third quarter when the second-seeded Beermen pulled away from the Elasto Painters for good after being held to a 67-67 deadlock at halftime.
“We just have to pass the ball and rely on those open shooters,” said San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent. “In the first half, Rain or Shine was clogging the lane and we were forcing ourselves for lay-ups. In the second half, they learned how to kick out the ball, and Jericho [Cruz] and the guards did well in shooting the threes. Great team offense.”
San Miguel waits for semis opponent
San Miguel now faces the winner of the quarterfinal between Barangay Ginebra and NorthPort in a best-of-five semifinal affair.
The Beermen also extended their winning streak to six dating back to the eliminations while ending the six-game run that the Elasto Painters rode to the playoffs.
San Miguel broke free from a 71-71 tie when Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter nailed back-to-back threes in an 8-0 run. The Beermen led by as many as 22 points, and maintained a safe distance in the face of a late comeback by the Elasto Painters.
Cruz also played a vital role in the win, finishing with 20 points, including 11 in the second half.
Tree Treadwell had 22 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, while Rey Nambatac had 16 points for the seventh-seeded Elasto Painters.
The scores:
San Miguel 127 – Boatwright 41, Cruz 20, Romeo 15, Ross 14, Fajardo 13, Perez 11, Lassiter 6, Trollano 4, Tautuaa 3.
Rain or Shine 122 – Treadwell 22, Nambatac 16, Nocum 14, Datu 14, Mamuyac 13, Caracut 12, Santillan 11, Clarito 10, Belga 7, Norwood 3.
Quarters: 36-32; 67-67; 109-89; 127-122.
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