San Miguel snared solo third once more in the PBA Philippine Cup after cruising past Terrafirma, 128-89, Sunday at the Ynares Center II in Montalban.
The Beermen erupted for 42 big points in the third quarter for a commanding 95-64 lead, breaking the game wide open still with 12 minutes to spare toward notching their fifth win of the tilt — and to get some separation from Ginebra.
Both powerhouses got tied at 4-2 in the standings after the Kings forged as much following a 119-112 victory over Phoenix last Friday.
But now, the perennial All-Filipino contenders have regained the said position provisionally, sitting behind the 6-0 Magnolia and the 5-1 NLEX as the race to the top four is now starting to intensify midway through the eliminations.
(C) PBA Images
“We’re gearing up for the playoffs, ano,” offered head coach Leo Austria. “Every game we’re treating it as a playoff na, for us to get into the next level … we’re not yet there, but our goal is to make it to the top four.”
Seven players finished in double figures in the rout. CJ Perez and Mo Tautua’a led the way with 17 points apiece, with the latter going 7-for-7 from the floor.
Back-up big man Rodney Brondial provided the unlikely spark as he registered 16 points and a career-high 22 rebounds in a turnover-less outing.
Juami Tiongson knocked down three triples and wound up with 13 points. June Mar Fajardo and Don Trollano made 12 points each, while Jericho Cruz added 11 markers in a balanced attack that came about thanks to their 29 assists.
(C) PBA Images
“I’m so happy with the players, they responded well, ano. They just played. They never mind who’s leading; what I told them is to keep on playing, and just keep on executing on offense and defense. It’s a habit for us,” said Austria.
SMB (5-2) will look to keep going when it takes on the skidding Blackwater next Sunday. May 25, 5:00 p.m. at the Philsports Arena in Pasig
Mark Nonoy, meanwhile, finished with 24 points to lead the Dyip, who fell to their sixth straight defeat and remained at the bottom with a 1-7 record.
Stanley Pringle had 17 points while Louie Sangalang added 10 for the injury-riddled side, who won’t play until May 28 when they face Converge.
The Scores:
San Miguel 128 – Perez 17, Tautuaa 17, Brondial 16, Tiongson 13, Fajardo 12, Trollano 12, Cruz 11, Teng 8, Calma 8, Rosales 7, Lassiter 4, Cahilig 3, Ross 0.
Terrafirma 89 – Nonoy 24, Pringle 17, Sangalang 10, Zaldivar 9, Paraiso 7, Catapusan 7, Ramos 5, Melecio 5, Olivario 3, Ferrer 2, Hernandez 0, Hanapi 0.
Quarterscores: 28-21, 53-37, 95-64, 128-89.
