San Miguel awaits the winner between Ginebra and NorthPort.
The San Miguel Beermen went off in the third period en route to a 127-122 win over Rain or Shine in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals on Friday.
Bennie Boatwright was at the forefront of the Beermen’s assault in the said period, firing 13 of his 41 points. San Miguel took a 109-79 lead entering the fourth.
With the twice-to-beat advantage, San Miguel nailed the second semifinals berth and now awaits the winner between the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the NorthPort Batang Pier.
Jericho Cruz finished with 20 points on two three-pointers. Terrence Romeo had 15 points, three rebounds, and four assists.
Chris Ross chipped in 14 markers. June Mar Fajardo put up a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds to go with five assists, three steals, and a block.
"I just told them to pass the ball and rely on the open shooters," said coach Jorge Gallent when asked about what he told his team after a tight first half.
With its conference on the line, Rain or Shine mustered every ounce of energy left to flip the script and close in, 125-115, on Keith Datu’s layup on the break with still 4:33 to go.
Minutes later, Demetrius Treadwell canned a pair of free throws to make it a ball game, 127-119.
Showing composure that comes with years of playoff experience, the Beermen did just enough after that to keep the Elasto Painters at bay and eke out the win.
Rain or Shine was paced by Treadwell, who wound up with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.