PBA Finals: San Miguel dominates Magnolia for 2-0 lead

CJ Perez, left, and the San Miguel Beermen during Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against the Magnolia Hotshots.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–San Miguel came out of the gates hard on Sunday and kept the same intensity the rest of the night to hack out a 109-85 victory and take a commanding 2-0 lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

Import Bennie Boatwright Jr. and Best Player of the Conference contender CJ Perez joined hands in a strong quarter that pretty much dictated the tempo of the clash at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“I’m happy we won by 24 points. We played as a team and we played as a unit. We just have to polish a little of our [tendency] to relax in the last three minutes,” said San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent.

San Miguel Beermen import Bennie Boatwright during Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Magnolia Hotshots.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Boatwright Jr. finished with 34 points while Perez 20 as the powerhouse club extended their winning streak to 11 games, matching the franchise record for a third time.

Cornerstone June Mar Fajardo added 19 points that went with 14 rebounds, while Marcio Lassiter 11 as Jericho Cruz chipped in 10 more off the bench.

Magnolia got the goods from import Tyler Bey, who finished with 22 points and 16 rebounds. Mark Barroca chipped in 11 while Russel Escoto 10 in the losing stand that put the Hotshots in a precarious spot.

San Miguel, now with all sorts of momentum on their side, will shoot for a third straight victory on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum to move closer to the franchise’s 29th crown overall.