.jpg) |
| June Mar Fajardo went for another monster game. PBA Images |
MANILA--A new PBA Philippine Cup champion will be crowned soon, as San Miguel denied Meralco of a shot at back-to-back titles with a 108-97 quarterfinal win on Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Beermen quickly went for the kill early on, racing to a 35-20 lead at the end of the first quarter and remaining on track for a blowout win by halftime.
However, the Bolts shone brightly in the third quarter and cut the lead down to six, 81-75, at the end of the period.
SMB prevailed after restoring order in the fourth quarter as it avenged its finals loss to Meralco last year.
June Mar Fajardo, the frontrunner for the Best Player of the Conference award, led the Beermen, who clinched the first seat in next week's semifinals, with 23 points on 6-of-11 field goals and 11-of-13 free throws, 15 rebounds, and four blocks.
Juami Tiongson and Don Trollano each added 19 points, while Rodney Brondial contributed 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, 12 rebounds, one block, and one steal.
Mo Tautuaa chipped in 10 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, and one steal off the bench.
Chris Banchero exploded for 32 points on 12-of-18 shooting with five rebounds and two assists, but it was not enough to keep the Bolts in playoff contention as they were knocked out of the quarterfinals for the second straight tournament, over a week after they too were ousted from the BCL Asia quarters.
Chris Newsome added 23 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
.jpg&description=SMB exacts revenge on Meralco after finals heartbreak, seals PBA PH Cup semis seat){kind=link}