2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals schedule
(January 19)
Philsports Arena
4 p.m. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs San Miguel Beermen
8 p.m. NorthPort Batang Pier vs Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings
Ginebra faces ‘tough mountain to climb’ vs Boatwright, San Miguel
Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—After dispatching NorthPort in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals on Friday night, Ginebra coach Tim Cone seemed worried than relieved.
Cone has reasons to be concerned with the Gin Kings’ impending semifinals showdown against the San Miguel Beermen, particularly Bennie Boatwright and June Mar Fajardo.
Ginebra post-game interview after barging into PBA semis
FINAL: Barangay Ginebra sets up semifinal date with San Miguel Beer in the PBA Commissioner's Cup after 106-93 romp of quarters foe NorthPort. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/S7jkvK6d7a
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) January 19, 2024
PBA: Jericho Cruz thrives in playoff physicality for San Miguel
San Miguel Beer guard Jericho Cruz during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals against Rain or Shine.-MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Jericho Cruz isn’t the type to back down from physicality.
In fact, the rugged San Miguel Beer guard seems to flourish in a rough-and-tumble encounter just like Friday’s quarterfinal affair between the Beermen and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
PBA: James Yap says no decision yet on retirement
James Yap.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine swingman James Yap is at a crossroads with regard to his basketball future.
Yap, who signed a one-conference deal to return with Rain or Shine in the offseason last September, said he has “not yet” decided on a potential retirement following the Elasto Painters’ exit in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals on Friday.
PBA: San Miguel Beer seals semis spot, ousts Rain or Shine
San Miguel Beer import Bennie Boatwright Jr. gestures after making a 3-pointer against Rain or Shine in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–San Miguel relied on a cutthroat third quarter and then held on until the final horn on Friday night to hack out a 127-122 over Rain or Shine to secure a spot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.
The Beermen used their depth in that frame, leaning on import Bennie Boatwright Jr. and the one-two punch of Jericho Cruz and Terrence Romeo for 42 points to ultimately dispose of the Elasto Painters at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, no longer needing to reach for their twice-to-beat advantage.
PBA: James Yap yet to decide on basketball future
San Miguel Beer post-game interview after reaching PBA semis
San Miguel Beermen into PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals
San Miguel Beer advances to the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals after ending Rain or Shine's campaign with a 127-122 victory. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/Njiaehbsts
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) January 19, 2024
San Miguel Beer advances to the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals after ending Rain or Shine's campaign with a 127-122 victory @INQUIRERSports
— Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) January 19, 2024
THIRD QUARTER SURGE 🍻
From a 67-all deadlock at halftime, San Miguel went on to take a 14-point lead, 98-84, in the penultimate quarter.
Because of the twice-to-beat advantage, should the Beermen win they will advance to the semis. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/O002v14fYH
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) January 19, 2024