ANTIPOLO - San Miguel claimed a valuable win before entering the quarterfinals, beating Phoenix Super LPG, 116-104, on Saturday in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center I.
The Beermen avoided going down to No. 8 by pulling away midway in the fourth to snatch the victory and ending the eliminations with a 7-5 win-loss record.
SMB could go as high as No. 5 in the quarterfinals, depending on the result of Sunday's gameday.
Bennie Boatwright led the way with 34 points for the Beermen, who won their third straight game.
Jericho Cruz also poured 20 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting from the field, and Don Trollano had 14 points for the Beermen.
The Fuelmasters dropped to 6-6, and could go down to as low as No. 8 in the quarterfinals depending on Sunday's results.
“We always have to respect the game and let's be consistent sa winning attitude and that's what happened,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria.
Johnathan Williams had 26 points and 13 rebounds, and Kenneth Tuffin had 18 points on 3-of-8 shooting but Phoenix were without Ricci Rivero and Jason Perkins due to injuries.
The scores:
San Miguel 116 – Boatwright 34, Cruz 20, Trollano 14, Perez 12, Miller 9, Lassiter 9, Fajardo 7, Rosales 6, Brondial 3, Tautuaa 2, Mantua 0, Tiongson 0, Cahilig 0, Ross 0, Calma 0.
Phoenix Super LPG 104 – Williams 26, Tuffin 18, Santos 17, Ynot 11, Tio 10, Nelle 6, Daves 6, Gozum 4, Delos Santos 2, Cullar 2, Ando 2.
Quarters: 22-30; 56-51; 85-82; 116-104.
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