Photo: PBA Images

By Art Ramirez

San Miguel defeated Phoenix Super LPG, 116-104, last Saturday to finish the elimination round with three straight wins in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) 50 Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center, Antipolo.

Bennie Boatwright had 34 points for the Beermen to finish the elimination round with a 7-5 win-loss record. More importantly, SMB prevented itself from going down to No. 8 and a match-up with top-seed NLEX in the quarterfinals.


Photo: PBA Images

San Miguel could be either at fifth, sixth, or seventh in the quarterfinals depending on the result of the Sunday playdates.

Phoenix fell to 6-6, sorely missing Ricci Rivero and Jason Perkins and could go as low as No. 8 in the quarterfinals.

The Beermen outscored the Fuelmasters, 31-22, in the fourth quarter after a close game in which SMB was only ahead, 85-82, at the end of the third.

A dunk by Boatwright practically sealed the deal for SMB, giving them a 108-96 lead in the fourth.

Johnathan Williams had 26 points and 13 rebounds in the Phoenix defeat.