MANILA — San Miguel Beermen recovered from an early deficit and tightened its grip on a quarterfinal spot after pulling away from Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters for a 116-104 victory in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Saturday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Import Bennie Boatwright erupted for 34 points, seven rebounds, and five assists as the Beermen climbed to a 7-5 record and temporarily seized fifth place in the standings heading into the quarterfinal phase.
Ilonggo guard Jericho Cruz sparked San Miguel’s second-unit attack with 20 points off the bench, while Celedonio Trollano and Jaymar Perez chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively, as the Beermen secured a twice-to-win disadvantage in the next round.
Trailing 22-30 after the opening quarter, San Miguel turned the game around in the second period behind Boatwright’s scoring barrage to grab a 56-51 halftime advantage.
The Beermen then stretched the lead to as much as 14 points in the second half and repeatedly repelled Phoenix rallies to preserve the double-digit cushion until the final buzzer.
Johnathan Williams III paced the Fuel Masters with 26 points, Kenneth Tuffin added 18, while Bryan Santos, Winston Ynot, and Tyler Tio contributed 17, 11, and 10 points, respectively, as Phoenix slipped to a 6-6 slate.
Meanwhile, Converge FiberXers ended its campaign on a high note after overpowering Blackwater Bossing, 136-122.
Juan Gomez de Liaño fired 25 points, five rebounds, and three assists to earn Player of the Game honors as the FiberXers wrapped up the conference with a 5-7 record.
Justine Baltazar and Calvin Abueva added 17 and 15 points, respectively, while Donovan Smith, Justin Arana, MJ Garcia, and Archie Concepcion contributed 12 points each for Converge.
Robert Upshaw III exploded for 45 points and 18 rebounds, while Sedrick Barefield and Abu Tratter finished with 20 and 13 points, respectively, as Blackwater ended the conference with a 2-10 card./PN
