Beermen extend streak
MANILA, Philippines — Christmas time is San Miguel Beer time.
Unboxing an incendiary bombing run in the fourth quarter, the Beermen wrapped up a vital 117-96 Yuletide win over Phoenix in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Terrence Romeo, summoning the deadly form that made him one of the league’s premier gunslingers, rifled in 15 to spark SMB’s telling 38-16 closing barrage that iced its sixth victory in nine games.
As they extended their current streak to a third match, Jorge Gallent’s charges strengthened their hold of fourth spot and bid for a coveted twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
At the same time, the Beermen halted the six-game roll of the Fuel Masters, who nonetheless remained at No. 2 at 7-2 behind Magnolia’s leading 9-1.
Romeo finished with 22 to go with eight assists and two steals to back up Bennie Boatwright, who posted 26 plus 16 rebounds in his PBA debut.
CJ Perez (20), Jericho Cruz (15) and Rodney Brondial (eight points, 10 boards) also produced stellar plays in this Christmas Day gig. Cruz and Perez shot a combined nine while Brondial produced the hustle plays in the fourth-quarter sizzler that completed SMB’s fightback from nine points down.
“We just reminded the guys how crucial this game was to us on how it would help us to the Top 4 and all of them stepped up,” said Gallent.
The Beermen gave Boatwright a winning experience in his first appearance as replacement to Ivan Aska.
Later, Ginebra overcame the tough challenge of a Ronda Hollis-Jefferson and Jayson Castro-less TNT side, 86-78 to clinch a Last-8 seat at 6-3. Scottie Thompson keyed a 27-13 closeout as the Gin Kings drew level with SMB at fourth while sending the Tropang Giga sliding to 4-5.
“The difference between Ivan and Bennie is Bennie has three-point shooting which makes the floor bigger for everybody,” said Gallent of Boatwright, the tallest import at 6-foot-8 and 3/8. “It’s going to be hard for opponents to guard Bennie and challenge his shots. Bennie read the situation well today.”
SMB spoiled the 37-16 eruption of Phoenix’ Johnathan Williams III.
RJ Jazul (with 14 points), Sean Manganti (11) and Javee Mocon (10) paced the Phoenix
