Terrence Romeo, San Miguel cool off Phoenix for PBA quarters spot

San Miguel Beer guard Terrence Romeo.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Terrence Romeo took over in the fourth quarter as San Miguel Beer pulled away to douse cold water on red-hot Phoenix, 117-96, and claim a quarterfinals berth on Christmas Day in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Romeo scored 15 of his 22 points during the last period which saw the Beermen break loose after a seesaw three quarters to raise their winning streak to three straight for a 6-3 record.

San Miguel became the fourth team to book a place in the next phase of the season-opening conference, joining pacesetter Magnolia, Phoenix and Meralco.

In doing so, the Beermen snapped the Fuel Masters’ streak of six straight victories.

Import Bennie Boatwright made his debut as Ivan Aska’s replacement and put up 26 points and 16 rebounds for San Miguel.

Phoenix remained in second at 7-2 after being denied in its first crack at perhaps securing the twice-to-beat advantage.

The Fuel Masters entered the fourth up 80-79 after a halfcourt heave by RJ Jazul at the buzzer, but the Beermen scored eight straight, with Romeo scoring the last four as the game that had 19 lead changes became a blowout.

Phoenix import Johnathan Williams had 37 points and 16 rebounds in the loss.

The scores:

SAN MIGUEL 117—Boatwright 26, Romeo 22, Perez 20, Cruz 15, Trollano 12, Brondial 8, Lassiter 6, Tautuaa 4, Ross 2, Mallilin 2.

PHOENIX 96—Williams 37, Jazul 14, Manganti 11, Mocon 10, Tio 6, Rivero 5, Garcia 4, Alejandro 4, Muyang 3, Tuffin 2, Verano 0, Camacho 0, Lalata 0, Daves 0.

Quarters: 30-34, 54-58, 79-80, 117-96.