SMB scores huge morale booster ahead of QF battle vs. Converge, rips Meralco

Devon Scott helped the Beermen finish off the Bolts. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG—While the game had no more effect on both teams' playoff fates, San Miguel drubbed Meralco to possibly send a solid message to Converge ahead of their PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinal battle.

The Beermen sizzled offensively early on to hand the Bolts a painful exit from the conference through a 113-108 win on Friday at the PhilSports Arena.

SMB erupted for 70 first-half points, 42 in the second quarter, and built a lead as high as 26 points.

The Bolts tried to fight back and came to as close as three points, but Devon Scott made two free throws to finally ice the game for the Beermen.

Scott put up 32 points on 11-for-15 field goals, 12 rebounds, two assists, and one steal for the Beermen, who finished the elimination round at 7-5 but 4-0 since coach Jorge Gallent took over on an interim basis.

Marcio Lassiter added 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting including 3-for-4 on threes, the last one moving him past former teammate Arwind Santos for seventh in the all-time three-pointer list, and one rebound, while Terrence Romeo made a solid season debut with 12 points, one assist, and one steal off the bench.

KJ McDaniels led the Bolts, who fell to 4-8 to end their campaign in the mid-season tournament, with 27 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three blocks.

Aaron Black chipped in 21 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Toto Jose added 16 points, a career-high 17 rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

The Scores:

SAN MIGUEL 113 – Scott 32, Lassiter 13, Romeo 12, Cruz 10, Perez 10, Fajardo 9, Enciso 8, Manuel 7, Tautuaa 6, Brondial 4, Zamar 2, Ross 0, Herndon 0

MERALCO 108 – McDaniel 27, Black 21, Jose 16, Quinto 15, Caram 9, Maliksi 7, Pasaol 4, Belo 4, Hugnatan 3, Hodge 2, Pascual 0, Baclao 0, Johnson 0

QUARTERS: 28-21, 70-50, 94-73, 113-108

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