San Miguel Beer’s offensive firepower was on full display on Christmas Day as it overpowered Phoenix Super LPG, 117-96, in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Up against the hottest team in the tournament, the Beermen outscored the Fuel Masters, 38-16, in the fourth period, with multiple-time scoring champions Terrence Romeo and CJ Perez providing the much-needed support for new import Bennie Boatwright.
“I just wanted to be more aggressive,” said Romeo, who scored 15 second-half points.
“Credit to the coaching staff for putting so much trust in me and that’s the reason why I was able to make up for the slow start.”
Playing his first game since taking over the spot of Ivan Aska, Boatwright immediately made his presence felt.
A former teammate of ex-Magnolia import Nick Rakocevic at the University of Southern California in the US National Collegiate Athletic Association, Boatwright finished with 24 points and 16 rebounds to douse cold water on the Phoenix side that was riding a six-game winning streak.
“The only difference between Bennie and Ivan is that Bennie has the three-point shot, which makes the floor bigger for everybody. Bennie reads the situation well,” San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent said.
Romeo led the Beermen’s local scoring with 22 while Perez contributed 20. Jericho Cruz chipped in 15 markers and Don Trollano added 12 as San Miguel’s usual balanced production was in full throttle.
The Beermen started the fourth period with eight unanswered points to take its first sizable lead, 87-80, to set the stage for a strong finishing kick.
By winning over Phoenix, San Miguel has improved its win-loss record to 6-3 and kept its hopes alive for a possible top four berth. The Beermen are currently at the fourth spot, temporarily taking a half-game advantage over Barangay Ginebra, which is playing TNT Tropang Giga at press time.
The top four teams at the end of the elimination round will have a twice-to-beat advantage going into the playoffs.
Phoenix saw its six-game winning streak snapped and absorbed only its second loss in nine games going to its last two games in the elimination round.
Although they are currently at the second place with a 7-2 win-loss slate, the Fuel Masters will need to win their remaining games against Meralco on 10 January and their last game against TNT Tropang Giga on 14 January.
“Our goal is to get into the top four and we’re closing in on that,” Gallent said.
