MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel Beermen was simply a step quicker and more cohesive in the 93-78 mastery of the AirAsia Philippine Patriots Saturday in the Asean Basketball League at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City.
The Beermen, defeating the Patriots in all three meetings this season, are assured of a semifinals slot in their first season in the league with the victory.
Duke Crews continued his impressive showing with 23 points along with five rebounds, stuffing the leather into the rim every chance he gets.
Leo Avenido, top MVP candidate, also lit up the scoreboard with 23 points on four-of-four shooting from downtown, igniting the early San Miguel onslaught.
But it was only in the fourth quarter when the Beermen, who are accounted for all of the Patriots’ losses, started pulling away for good starting on a 12-1 run.
A basket from Benedict Fernandez, who also had two triples, gave the Beermen an 86-63 advantage with less than four minutes to play.
The Patriots, who still hold the top spot with a 13-3 record, struggled to contain the athleticism of Crews and failed to draw a solid game from new import Chris Alexander.
Anthony Johnson carried most of the weight of his squad by notching 30 points and seven rebounds while Alexander added 16 and 12.