San Miguel sweeps Ginebra to book PBA Finals berth

Bennie Boatwright San Miguel Beermen celebrate booking a seat in the PBA Commissioner’s Finals, eliminating Ginebra in three games. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–San Miguel kept it together down the stretch on Sunday night to weather Barangay Ginebra, 94-91, and claim the first finals berth in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Import Bennie Boatwright Jr. was big once again for the Beermen, finishing with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks—including the one that sealed the three-game sweep of the erstwhile defending champions at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“The hard work we put in in the off-season paid off,” said head coach Jorge Gallent, whose charges booked a 44th finals appearance in franchise history.

Jericho Cruz fired 17 points off the bench, helping San Miguel to its 44th finals appearance in franchise history. M

arcio Lassiter, reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez also finished in double figures  as the Beermen also gained a measure of payback for getting swept in three games by the Gin Kings in the previous Governors’ Cup.

Import Tony Bishop Jr. had 25 points and eight rebounds for Ginebra, while Scottie Thompson added 17 in the loss. Japeth Aguilar, Christian Standhardinger, and Jamie Malonzo all chipped in double-digit scores.

A left knee injury kept Malonzo from playing in the final frame which significantly hurt the Kings’ chances of extending the series.

San Miguel, the reigning Philippine Cup champion, awaits the winner of the Phoenix Super LPG-Magnolia series.

San Miguel vs Ginebra scores

SAN MIGUEL 94 – Boatwright 26, Cruz 17, Lassiter 14, Perez 11, Fajardo 11, Trollano 6, Teng 6, Ross 3, Brondial 0, Tautuaa 0.

GINEBRA 91 – Bishop 25, Thompson 17, J.Aguilar 12, Malonzo 10, Standhardinger 10, Tenorio 8, Pringle 5, Pinto 2, Ahanmisi 2.

QUARTERS: 21-18, 43-42, 75-69, 94-91.