SMB seals top seed in PBA PH Cup QFs with rout vs NorthPort

CJ Perez led SMB's balanced attack to the top seed. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--After missing the playoffs last conference, San Miguel is on track for a PBA Philippine Cup domination as the top seed.

The Beermen will enter the quarterfinals at number one after nipping the NorthPort Batang Pier, the Commissioner's Cup top seed, 126-91, on Sunday night at the Ynares Center 1 in Antipolo.

SMB wasted no time in drubbing NorthPort, taking control of the game from start to finish.

CJ Perez led six Beermen in double figures with 24 points on 11-of-19 shooting, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

Jericho Cruz and Don Trollano each added 17 markers, Mo Tautuaa chipped in 14, and June Mar Fajardo and Marcio Lassiter each had 10, with Fajardo also grabbing 11 rebounds.

Despite missing out on scoring 10 points or more, Rodney Brondial was still efficient as he went 4-for-4 from the field for his eight points.

With the win, SMB set up a finals rematch against defending champion Meralco, the eighth seed, in the quarterfinals beginning on Wednesday night.

The result also dragged NLEX to the second seed and Magnolia to the third seed.

Joshua Munzon led the Batang Pier, which ended a rollercoaster Philippine Cup campaign that saw Arvin Tolentino and William Navarro getting acquired by other teams mid-conference at a dismal 2-9 record, with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists, and one steal.

Cade Flores added 13 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

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