MANILA — San Miguel Beermen kept its playoff hopes alive and formally knocked Terrafirma Dyip out of quarterfinals contention after hacking out a commanding 126-110 victory in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Import Bennie Boatwright spearheaded the Beermen’s explosive offense with 33 points built on five three-point conversions, alongside 10 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block as San Miguel climbed to a 6-5 record and strengthened its bid for a quarterfinal berth.
June Mar Fajardo added another dominant double-double with 30 points and 16 rebounds, while Ilonggo guard Jericho Cruz and Celedonio Trollano chipped in 17 points each. Jaymar Perez also contributed 15 markers for the Beermen.
San Miguel recovered quickly after falling behind, 1-10, in the opening minutes, responding with a blistering run to seize a 23-16 advantage at the end of the first quarter before stretching the lead to 58-46 at halftime.
The Beermen never looked back from there, continuing their offensive assault in the second half and ballooning the lead to as many as 20 points early in the fourth quarter.
Mubashar Ali paced the Dyip with 28 points, while Jerrick Ahanmisi added 24 markers. Rookies JM Bravo and Geo Chiu chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively, as Terrafirma dropped to a 4-7 slate and bowed out of quarterfinal contention.
In the nightcap, Macau Black Knights closed out their campaign on a winning note after pulling off a stunning 105-98 upset over Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.
Jenning Leung erupted for 32 points, highlighted by six triples, on top of four assists, three rebounds, two steals, and two blocks as the Black Knights improved to 3-9.
Ramon Cao added 23 points before fouling out, while Tony Mitchell Jr. and Phoenix Shackleford finished with 13 points apiece. Xing Zhao Chao also contributed 12 markers for Macau.
Kenneth Tuffin led the Fuel Masters with 27 points, while Johnathan Williams III and Jason Perkins chipped in 20 points each. Tyler Tio added 13 markers as Phoenix slipped to 6-5./PN
