PBA: SMB gets past Terrafirma to secure semis seat

June Mar Fajardo put up monster numbers to lift SMB to the semis. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--San Miguel finally moved on from a surprise mini-slump that almost cost them a place in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals as they booked the third seat in the Final 4 after taking down Terrafirma, 110-91, in their knockout quarterfinal game on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Beermen, who entered the game incurring back-to-back losses after a 10-0 start including a shocker by the Dyip to keep their season alive, quickly recovered from the Dyip's solid start as they dominated the last three quarters of the game, pulling away for good after going on a 34-22 third period.

June Mar Fajardo had a dominant showing of 25 points, 22 rebounds, and one assist for SMB, which will face the winner of the other knockout quarterfinal between TNT and Rain Or Shine in the semifinals beginning on Friday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Terrence Romeo added 19 points, one rebound, and one assist off the bench.

Javi Gomez De Liano put up 23 points, six rebounds, one assist, and two blocks off the bench to lead Terrafirma, which fell short of completing a major upset against SMB.

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