PBA: San Miguel fends off Rain or Shine to strengthen playoff bid

San Miguel import Chris McCullough against Rain or Shine defenders. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer escaped hard-fighting Rain or Shine, 89-87, to extend its productive cramming and bolster its chances of securing a comfortable spot in the next round of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup in a Petron Saturday Special at Xavier University Gym in Cagayan De Oro.

Reigning five-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo and import Chris McCullough figured in the Beermen’s 8-2 spurt in the final three minutes of the affair, capping off their respective individual performances.

Fajardo rose for a two-handed jam in the over a minute left to play, punctuating his line of 25 points and 13 rebounds and the Beermen’s move to a 5-5 slate, good for the sixth spot of the draw.

McCullough, who didn’t quite have an equally efficient outing, still managed to chalk up 24 points and 12 boards, to go with Terrence Romeo’s double-digit performance off the bench.

Javee Mocon led the ElastoPainters with 20 points, with Carl Montgomery tossing in 18 more to form a duo of their own to match the Beermen.

Beau Belga missed a clear look from deep as the clock expired—a shot that would’ve turned things around and kept Rain or Shine from sliding to the 5-6 record and seventh place in the ladder.

San Miguel now wraps up its elimination round campaign against Meralco this Wednesday at the Big Dome.

Rain or Shine, meanwhile, is left to wait and see as seven more teams, which are still in the hunt for a spot in the quarterfinals, have yet to finish their elimination round campaign.

As things stand, only NLEX has been knocked out of playoff contention.