SAN Miguel Beer threw its weight on Phoenix Super LPG, 110-80, to join the quarterfinals club in the 46th PBA Philippine Cup Friday at the Don Honorio State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Beermen detonated a 10-2 bomb late in the second quarter to seize control then kept on pounding in the final half to run away with their sixth triumph in nine outings.
This allowed coach Leo Austria and his charges to secure a spot in the Last-8 alongside No. 1 TNT Tropang Giga, Meralco (6-2), Magnolia (6-3), and Rain or Shine (6-4).
Currently running fourth, SMB also stayed in play in the race for No. 2 seeding and twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs.
CJ Perez fired 24 points while Mo Tautuaa added 19 and June Mar Fajardo posted 18-11 as the Beermen pulled it off with Terrence Romeo forced to sit out the second half due to Achilles tendon issues.
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"Sabi ko sa kanila before the game, we have to bounce back (from the loss to Rain or Shine) and talagang nakita ninyo nag-bounce back kami tonight," said SMB coach Leo Austria.
"I'm not expecting ganitong magiging outcome (30-point margin) but credit to CJ and the rest of the crew for going all-out. They knew the importance of this game as far as our quarterfinals bid is concerned."
"I'm happy inspite of roller-coaster namin sa tournament, we're able to come back and win the game when it mattered the most," he added.
The Fuel Masters ended their elims with back-to-back losses and 4-7 overall. Coach Topex Robinson and his charges can only hope their record would be enough to get them at least rubbermatch for No. 8.
Perez filled in for Romeo, the league's top scorer who only played for 10 minutes and finished with three markers.
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The former Rookie of the Year hit 15 in the second quarter as San Miguel took its first double-digit lead at 52-42 then shot nine as the Beermen put the game beyond Phoenix's reach, 85-59. (OL)
The Scores:
San Miguel Beer 110 - Perez 24, Tautuaa 19, Fajardo 18, Santos 16, Ross 9, Lassiter 8, Pessumal 5, Zamar 5, Romeo 3, Sena 3, Gotladera 0, Comboy 0, Gamalinda 0.
Phoenix 80 - Perkins 18, Banchero 13, Muyang 12, Garcia 11, Wright 10, Manuel 8, Chua 6, Jazul 2, Calisaan 0, Pascual 0, Melecio 0, Tamsi 0, Rios 0.
Quarters: 24-21, 55-47, 85-59, 110-80.
