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| June Mar Fajardo is open for the dunk. PBA Images |
PASIG—San Miguel booked its place in the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals after holding off Rain Or Shine, 127-122, in their quarterfinal game on Friday night at the PhilSports Arena.
The Beermen's third-quarter blast was enough for them to clinch the tie even if the Elasto Painters made things interesting in the fourth.
With the game tied, 67-all, at halftime, SMB outscored ROS, 42-22, in the third quarter to open a 109-89 lead entering the fourth.
The Elasto Painters tried to rally back after holding the Beermen scoreless in the final three minutes of the game.
ROS came to within eight, 127-119, with 1:49 left, but the team only got to score again on a Keith Datu three with 11 seconds left.
Bennie Boatwright led SMB with 41 points on 17-of-28 field goals, 10 rebounds, four assists, and one block.
Jericho Cruz added 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting including a perfect 5-for-5 on twos, one rebound, and one assist.
June Mar Fajardo chipped in 13 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, one block, and three steals as the team will face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Ginebra and NorthPort.
Tree Treadwell led ROS with 23 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and one block.
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